Employee and Labor Relations serves as a resource for employees regarding matters related to the administration and interpretation of UMB policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and leave management.
Employee and Labor Relations

Sunday Jones
Director, Employee and Labor Relations-
Sandra Jessee
ELR ManagerLis Escobar
Leave Management & Employee Relations AdministratorSheila Blackshear
ADA and Compliance AdministratorMorgan Bell
Senior ELR Specialist -
Marina Sevdalis
Senior ELR SpecialistShardae Sangster
Leave Management and ELR SpecialistJinissa Smith
Leave Management and ELR Specialist
How We Support You

Performance Management Program
Professional development at UMB is successful when there is continuous communication between employees and their supervisors about work expectations, goals, and performance.

Collective Bargaining and Memoranda of Understanding
We’ll help you understand the obligations and responsibilities of all parties involved in collective bargaining agreements between unionized employees and UMB.

Grievances and Complaints
UMB encourages the informal resolution of employee complaints. The Grievances, Complaints, and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) section will help employees navigate the process.

Political Activity
Generally, UMB employees, as individuals, are free to express any political opinion and participate in any political activity, including volunteering for campaigns and running for public office. There are, however, State Ethics rules and other legal limitations on using State resources for political activities.

Employment and Leave Administration
We serve as a resource for information on employee leave policies and procedures, probationary periods, work hours, closures and delays, and essential employees.
More About Our Team
Employee and Labor Relations administers the annual performance management program and serves as a resource for employees regarding matters related to the administration and interpretation of UMB policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and leave management. Specific responsibilities include:
- Ensuring compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws, equal opportunity statutes and regulations, and personnel policies.
- Providing administration and guidance on labor union contracts, negotiations, and related activities.
- Serving as a key advisor for administrative hearings, grievance processes, and disciplinary procedures.
- Conducting and/or assisting schools/units with complaints, investigations, and grievances in compliance with applicable policies and laws.
- Administering and providing guidance on employee leave programs to ensure compliance and support employee needs.
- Overseeing the processing of reorganizations, restructures, and layoffs to ensure compliance, efficiency, and institutional alignment.
- Facilitating the review and administration of ADA accommodation requests to ensure compliance.
- Administering the Performance Management Program (PMP) and providing training, tools, and resources to support related initiatives.
- Conducting employee experience interviews and surveys, including pulse surveys and exit interviews to gather valuable insights that enhance workplace engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.
Contact
Employee and Labor Relations
620 W. Lexington St.
Third Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201