SB 939 - This act allows state and local law enforcement personnel ("public safety employees") to form unions and to engage in collective bargaining concerning wages and working conditions. The Commissioner of Administration shall serve as the chief negotiator for the State. The act authorizes six collective bargaining units for the State, based upon occupational groupings and departmental assignment.

Employees may refuse to pay dues but they may be required to pay a service fee in lieu of dues if that requirement is part of a collective bargaining agreement.

There will be an election to certify or decertify a representative of the employees when a petition signed by 30% of the employees is submitted to the State Board of Mediation.

The State Board of Mediation shall promulgate rules on certification and decertification of bargaining units, impasse and grievance procedures, payment of fees and assessments, hearing procedures, enforcement and other matters necessary to implement this act. When an impasse occurs, the parties may request mediation by the Board. The parties shall find a mutually acceptable mediator. If the mediator is not successful within 30 days, the Board shall submit a list of seven arbitrators to the parties. When final offers are submitted, the arbitrator may not amend any part of an offer but shall choose the which final offer should be included in the agreement.

Employees cannot strike. If there is a strike or the threat of a strike, any citizen may seek an injunction to restrain the strike. If any organization is held in contempt for failure to comply with an injunction, the organization shall be decertified. It is a Class D felony to participate in a strike.

All collective bargaining agreements shall be submitted to the governing body for adoption, modification or rejection.
DAVID VALENTINE