Bill > SB1529

This bill establishes a new section, 105.515, to the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) concerning public labor organizations, which are groups representing public employees. It mandates that within thirty days of a labor organization being recognized as the exclusive bargaining representative for public employees, representatives from both the public body and the labor organization must meet and engage in "good faith bargaining" to reach an agreement on wages, benefits, and other employment terms. "Good faith" is defined as having a sincere intention to reach an agreement, meeting regularly, being honest and open, and offering genuine counter-proposals. If an agreement isn't reached within 180 days, the dispute is referred to mediation, with parties first attempting to select a neutral mediator from a panel of federal court neutrals, or if they cannot agree, the state board will assign one. If mediation doesn't resolve the dispute within 90 days, it moves to arbitration. Alternatively, parties can mutually agree to bypass mediation and proceed directly to "interest arbitration," a process where an impartial arbitrator resolves impasses over wages, benefits, hours, or other employment terms. If parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, one will be selected from a panel provided by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. The arbitrator's decision is binding, except for provisions requiring new laws to be enacted. The bill also outlines procedures for presenting cases to the arbitrator, including the possibility of a prehearing conference to determine the presentation method, and mandates that all proceedings be recorded with transcripts available. Costs for the arbitrator and court reporter are to be shared equally, with each party responsible for their own attorney fees. The bill further allows either party to submit a claim of bad faith bargaining to the board, which can then refer the matter to interest arbitration if bad faith is found. Finally, the bill grants the board authority to create rules to implement these provisions, subject to legislative review.

Labor and Employment

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=216215