Bill > HB599

This bill modifies the collective bargaining process specifically for uniformed fire employees of the BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department, establishing a more structured negotiation and arbitration framework. The bill requires the parties (the State and the exclusive representative of the uniformed fire employees) to reach a collective bargaining agreement by September 30 of the year in which the current agreement will expire. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, they will be considered to be at an impasse, which triggers a specific resolution process. In such a case, each party must submit their last, best, and final offer within 48 hours, and then they must select an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association's Labor Arbitration Panel through an alternating strike method. The arbitrator will hold hearings, potentially attempt mediation, and must select one party's final offer by December 15. The arbitrator's decision is binding, with a key limitation that any wage-related decisions are subject to state budget constraints. The parties will equally share the arbitrator's costs, and the goal is to ensure a fair and timely resolution of collective bargaining negotiations for this specific group of employees.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0599?ys=2025RS