Maine Labor Relations Board – Augusta, ME

Administering Public Sector Labor Law

The Maine Labor Relations Board (MLRB) is the state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the laws that govern collective bargaining for public sector employees and employers in Maine. Located in the Elkins Building on the Augusta East Campus (formerly the AMHI complex), the Board serves a critical role in maintaining stability in the public workforce. Its jurisdiction encompasses employees of the State of Maine (executive, legislative, and judicial branches), municipalities, counties, school administrative units, the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System, and Maine Maritime Academy.

Dispute Resolution Services

The primary function of the MLRB is to facilitate the resolution of labor disputes to prevent work stoppages and ensure fair labor practices. The Board manages this through three affiliated organizations:

• The Board Itself: A three-member body appointed by the Governor that hears and decides prohibited practice complaints and appeals regarding bargaining unit composition.
• Panel of Mediators: A neutral group of professionals available to assist parties in negotiating collective bargaining agreements when they have reached an impasse.
• State Board of Arbitration and Conciliation (SBAC): Provides arbitration services for contract grievances and interest arbitration to settle contract terms.

Key Responsibilities

The daily operations of the MLRB staff involve processing various filings that are essential to the labor relations process.

• Unit Determination: Deciding which employees should be grouped together for bargaining purposes (bargaining units) and conducting elections to determine if those employees wish to be represented by a union.
• Prohibited Practice Complaints: Investigating and adjudicating claims that an employer or a union has violated Maine’s labor relations statutes, such as refusing to bargain in good faith or discriminating against employees for union activity.
• Fact Finding: Appointing fact-finding panels to recommend terms for settlement when mediation has not succeeded.

Location and Access

The MLRB offices are located on the second floor of the Elkins Building at 19 Elkins Lane. Visitors should note that this is part of the state government’s Eastside Campus.

Parking and Entry

Parking is available in the lots surrounding the Elkins and Ray buildings. The primary public entrance is often through the connecting Williams Pavilion. As a government office handling sensitive legal matters, visitors may be subject to standard administrative building security protocols. While the office is open for filings and inquiries, many procedural questions can be answered via their comprehensive website or by phone.