Last updated:
Status: Draft for internal review
Purpose: Member-facing guide, not legal advice
Verification note: Numeric limits and contacts can change; confirm on official links before acting.
What ELR Usually Means
ELR (Employee and Labor Relations) generally refers to employer HR/labor-relations processes. If you are represented by a union, ELR processes do not replace your contract rights. They run in parallel with your rights to representation, grievance handling, and due process under the CBA.
If ELR Contacts You: Immediate Steps
- Pause before giving verbal or written statements.
- Ask whether the meeting could lead to discipline.
- Request steward representation immediately.
- Save all notices, emails, and calendar invites.
- Forward materials to your steward and record deadlines.
Suggested response: "I am requesting union representation before participating in any meeting or providing a written statement."
OSU ELR Contact Information (Verified February 10, 2026)
General ELR contact: [email protected]
- Christopher Anderson - Employee Labor Relations Officer (Classified Employees, Professional Faculty), coming soon
- Scott Southard - Senior Employee Labor Relations Officer (Classified employee bargaining matters), coming soon
Official directory source: OSU Employee and Labor Relations contact page
State public-sector labor relations context: Oregon DAS Labor Relations Unit
When to Contact Your Union First
- You are called into a meeting that might lead to discipline.
- You are asked for a written statement about an incident.
- You receive a corrective memo or investigation notice.
- You believe contract language is being applied incorrectly.
- You are told to keep an ELR communication "confidential."
What to Gather for Your Steward
- Emails, letters, Teams/Zoom invites, and attachments.
- Dates, times, and names of managers/witnesses involved.
- Relevant contract sections and policy references.
- Any requested statement, response deadline, or proposed discipline.
- Any previous coaching, warnings, or prior related incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend an ELR meeting right away? +
You generally should not ignore a meeting request, but you can request scheduling to allow representation. Ask for a reasonable delay so your steward can attend.
Can I refuse to write a statement before talking to my steward? +
You can request representation first and ask to delay any statement until you have consulted with your steward. Do not guess or speculate in writing under pressure.
Is ELR the same as ERB? +
No. ELR is usually your employer's labor-relations function. ERB is Oregon's state labor board for public-sector labor-law disputes.
Related Guides
Need representation now?
If ELR communication could affect your job, request steward support before responding.
Email a Steward