Extends provisions of law pertaining to binding arbitration for four years

BILL NUMBER:S5210

Title of bill

An act to amend the civil service law, in relation to extending binding arbitration

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to make permanent binding arbitration.

Summary of specific provisions

Sec 1. - Extends current binding arbitration provisions an additional four (4) years.

Sec. 2 - Effective Date

Justification

New York has a long and proud tradition of support for the causes of organized labor. Police officers and fire fighters are the sworn protectors of our communities. They have earned the right to binding arbitration provisions designed to Provide fair and equitable outcomes for disputed contractual issues. Under the tier 5 legislation, chapter 504 of the laws of 2009, this law was extended and has been extended since 1977 affording the smooth operation of Vital public services.

A 2009 report by the University of Cornell found that New York's current system is performing as intended and has not led to an escalation of wages for police and firefighters when compared to non-binding arbitration states. Binding arbitration is a balanced process that has worked for 38 years. This bill would extend provisions of law pertaining to binding arbitration an additional four years and ensure the future of fairness for contract disputes.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.