The Employee Relations Section provides technical assistance and guidance to all Managers, Supervisors and employees in the areas of affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, policy administration, policy interpretation, problem resolution, counseling, EAP referral, investigation of complaints and grievances and recruitment. The Section has regionally located Personnel Representatives statewide. The Employee Relations Section conducts all investigative activity, prepares and submits departmental responses and serves as contact for all charges filed with the EEOC and the OAH Civil Rights Division. The Employee Relations Section ensures that disciplinary actions are in accordance with departmental and state policy and provides assistance and training to management on appropriate procedures.

This Section also has the responsibility for drug free workplace requirements including policy and procedures, drug testing contract administration, scheduling and monitoring of Drug Awareness Training for supervisory and management personnel. We participate in the implementation and administration of the Alcohol and Drug Policy for NCDOT employees with commercial drivers licenses as mandated by the Federal Highway Administration by:

• Scheduling and monitoring random drug tests for commercial drivers license personnel.
• Ensuring that a uniform Alcohol/Drug Program is administered and applied equitably for all DOT employees.