Bill > H2399

This bill establishes a process for binding arbitration for firefighters and police officers in Massachusetts when they reach an impasse in contract negotiations with their employers, meaning they cannot agree on terms after a fact-finder's report has been issued or fact-finding has been waived. If an employee organization representing these public safety officials files a petition and the appropriate board determines that negotiations have stalled in good faith, a three-member arbitration panel will be formed, or a single arbitrator if both sides agree. This panel, or arbitrator, will hear evidence and consider various factors, including the municipality's financial ability, public welfare, job conditions, and comparisons with similar positions, before issuing a final and binding decision on wages, hours, and conditions of employment. Importantly, for police officers, arbitration is limited to these areas and cannot include inherent managerial policies like appointing or assigning employees, while for firefighters, it also excludes appointment and promotion decisions, though initial station assignments and certain transfer-related issues may be included. The bill also specifies how arbitration costs will be shared and outlines penalties for non-compliance with arbitration orders.