Vermont Department of Labor Accepting Applications for Labor Relations Board Vacancy
The Vermont Labor Relations Board invites qualified individuals to apply for a current “neutral” seat vacancy on the Board. A “neutral” is someone not aligned exclusively with union or management and is able to be impartial in performing the work of the Vermont Labor Relations Board. Complete applications are due no later than March 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
The Vermont Labor Relations Board conducts hearings and adjudicates grievances involving relations between employers and employees of the State of Vermont, Vermont State Colleges, and the University of Vermont. The Board also determines appropriate bargaining units, conducts union representation elections, and adjudicates unfair labor practice charges involving these employers and municipalities, school districts, and small private operations.
Successful applicants will serve a term of six years, and attend required hearings held in Montpelier, as well as assist in special projects as directed by the Labor Board Chair or Executive Director. The position requires Members assigned to cases to review filings in preparation for hearings, attend hearings that may last one to three days, review post-hearing briefs, deliberate with fellow panel members to reach decisions, and review and revise decision drafts prepared by the Executive Director. Board members may also attend elections at employment sites. Board Members will attend four Board meetings a year, and although the number of hearings or election assignments may vary, they can anticipate being assigned to at least 2-6 matters per year. Members of the Board receive $125.00 per day in compensation for time spent in performance of their duties. The Chair or the Chair of a Board panel receive $175.00 per day in compensation in performance of their duties as Chair. Both receive reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Labor Relations Board appointments are made by the Governor. For more details on the role and responsibilities of the Vermont Labor Relations Board, review Vermont statutes, 3 V.S.A. §921, et seq., or visit the Labor Relations Board website at vlrb.vermont.gov/about-us.
All questions and inquiries should be directed to Rowan Hawthorne at Rowan.hawthorne@vermont.gov or by calling 802-272-4341. To apply for a VLRB neutral seat vacancy, please email a letter of interest and a resume to rowan.hawthorne@vermont.gov.
About the Vermont Labor Relations Board
The Vermont Labor Relations Board ("VLRB" "Board") is charged with resolving labor relations disputes under the State Employees Labor Relations Act, Municipal Employee Relations Act, Labor Relations for Teachers Act, State Labor Relations Act, Judiciary Employees Labor Relations Act, Independent Direct Support Providers Labor Relations Act, and Early Care and Education Providers Labor Relations Act. The Board determines appropriate bargaining units, conducts representation elections, and adjudicates unfair labor practice charges in cases involving relations between employers (State of Vermont, Vermont State Colleges, University of Vermont, municipal employers, school districts, and small private employers) and their employees. In addition, with respect to the State, State Colleges and UVM, the Board makes final determinations on employee grievances and aids in resolving disputes. Further, there are other statutory provisions granting the Board jurisdiction to resolve disputes in various areas.
The Board consists of six citizen members paid on a per diem basis. The Board has two employees, a full-time Executive Director, and a part-time Clerk.
The VLRB will continue to accept electronic filings, in all cases except Petitions for Election of Collective Bargaining Representative. Because these Petitions for Election must be accompanied by sufficient showing of interest, the original must be filed with the Board to initiate the action. Subsequent filings can be made electronically.