Bill > H2327

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 city, town, or district. If negotiations stall for thirty days after a fact-finder's report (a neutral third party who investigates and makes recommendations) or if fact-finding is waived, a recognized employee organization can petition the board to investigate. If the board confirms that negotiations have been conducted in good faith, thirty days have passed since the fact-finder's report, prohibited practice proceedings have been exhausted, and an impasse still exists, the dispute will go to a three-member arbitration panel or, if both sides agree, a single arbitrator. This panel or arbitrator will hold a hearing, consider evidence, and ultimately decide on the "last and best offer" from either the employer or the employee organization, or the fact-finder's recommendations, making the decision final and binding. The arbitration process will consider various factors, including the municipality's financial ability, public welfare, job specifics, comparisons with similar employment, cost of living, and overall compensation. However, for police officers, arbitration is limited to wages, hours, and working conditions, excluding inherent managerial decisions like appointing or promoting employees. For firefighters, arbitration also excludes the right to appoint and promote, though initial station assignments and certain types of transfers are included. The bill also specifies how arbitration costs are divided and that less than full-time employees are not covered by these provisions.