(a) The Division of Labor Relations and Employment Practices of the Department of Human Resources is hereby established having powers, duties and functions as follows. The Director of the Division of Labor Relations and Employment Practices shall have the following responsibilities:
(1) To establish management practices that address workplace fairness and stability in accordance with Merit law and Merit Rules.
(2) To assume the central leadership role for the Executive Branch over all matters relating to collective bargaining, and any other personnel and labor relations matters affecting the Executive Branch and its departments and agencies, including negotiations with employee organizations, labor arbitration, Public Employment Relations Board, Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other administrative proceedings.
(3) To assume responsibility for any other agreement or arrangements made involving employee organizations that represent employees subject to executive branch authority.
(b) The Director of Labor Relations and Employment Practices shall assume such other powers, duties and functions as the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources may assign that are not otherwise inconsistent with the laws of this State.