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Johnine Barnes, an Employment partner in Baker Hostetler's Washington, D.C., office, was recently confirmed to serve on the District of Columbia Public Employee Relations Board (PERB).

PERB is an impartial, quasi-judicial, independent agency that resolves labor-management disputes between agencies of the DC government and labor organizations representing agency employees. The members are appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the DC Council.

PERB carries out the following duties: 

• Determining appropriate compensation and non-compensation bargaining units;
• Certifying and decertifying labor organizations as exclusive bargaining representatives;
• Adjudicating unfair labor practice complaints;
• Considering appeals of grievance arbitration awards;
• Investigating standards of conduct complaints;
• Determining whether a particular subject or proposal is within the scope of bargaining; 
• Facilitating the resolution of impasses in contract negotiations; and
• Adopting rules and regulations for conducting the business of the board.

PERB is also authorized to issue subpoenas, conduct hearings, and retain independent counsel to represent its interests. Ms. Barnes' service to PERB will last for one year and is renewable for an additional year thereafter.