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Employee/Labor Relations

Employee Relations works with managers and employees to enhance the working environment for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State employees. This includes change management, turnover reduction and improved employee relations.  Employee Relations can also assist in coaching, mentoring and training supervisors and managers in the area of employee management, performance reviews and disciplinary actions. 

Labor Relations oversees all aspects of labor relations activities for AFSCME-represented employees at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State. This office oversees pre-disciplinary hearings for classified, unrepresented university employees. The goal of the office is to create and sustain a collaborative work environment for collective bargaining members, unrepresented classified employees and the professional leadership. For more information, contact:

  • Karen Watson, Director, Employee and Labor Relations, at 330-672-4636 or kswatson@kent.edu
  • Gino Zielinski, Employee and Labor Relations Coordinator, at 330-672-8526 or ezielin1@kent.edu
  • Norma Karam, Administrative Clerk, at 330-672-8334 or nkaram@kent.edu