Connecticut House Bill HB05321

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/11
• Refer: 1/18/11

Caption

An Act Allowing Municipal Legislative Body Intervention In Binding Arbitration Proceedings.

Impact

The enactment of HB 05321 would shift the dynamics of binding arbitration within municipalities, empowering local legislative bodies to have a say in disputes and negotiations with employee organizations. This change is expected to enhance the ability of municipal governments to influence arbitration outcomes, potentially leading to decisions that align more closely with the governance and priorities of the respective municipalities. The bill raises the potential for more collaborative resolutions in labor disputes, promoting transparency and accountability in the arbitration process.

Summary

House Bill 05321 aims to amend the existing general statutes by permitting the legislative body of a municipality, or its select board, to intervene in binding arbitration proceedings with municipal employee organizations. This bill is a response to scenarios where the municipal employer involved in the arbitration is not the legislative body itself. By enabling this intervention, the bill seeks to give local governing bodies a more active role in overseeing and influencing outcomes affecting municipal employee relations.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 05321 revolve around concerns about the balance of power between municipal governing bodies and employee organizations. Proponents argue that allowing legislative bodies to intervene in arbitration proceedings enhances local governance and ensures that elected representatives can advocate for the interests of their constituents, particularly taxpayers. Conversely, critics express concern that such intervention could politicize labor disputes or undermine the independence of the arbitration process, leading to outcomes that may not favor equitable labor relations.