Bill > H2676

This bill establishes a process for binding arbitration between municipalities and their firefighter and police officer unions when an impasse is reached in contract negotiations. The key provisions include: allowing either party to petition the state labor relations board to intervene if an impasse continues for 30 days after a fact-finding report; the board then selects an arbitration panel or single arbitrator to hear the case; the arbitrator(s) must consider factors like the municipality's financial ability, the public interest, and comparisons to other public and private sector wages and benefits; the arbitrator's decision is final and binding, though the scope is limited to wages, hours, and certain conditions of employment. The bill also outlines procedures for the arbitration process, such as hearing requirements and how costs are to be shared between the parties.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H2676