New Jersey Senate Bill S292

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Provides super conciliation for certain emergency responder service employees, and requires continuation of contract provisions during negotiations.

Impact

Under S292, upon the exhaustion of standard mediation and fact-finding processes, employers and employee representatives must utilize the super conciliator for unresolved disputes. The bill dictates that all terms of existing contracts remain in force during negotiations, ensuring employees retain established rights and conditions until new agreements are reached. By granting emergency responder employees enhanced negotiation rights, the bill aims to foster better working conditions while ensuring continuous service to the public.

Summary

Senate Bill 292 (S292) aims to enhance collective negotiation processes for certain emergency responder service employees in New Jersey, specifically targeting emergency medical technicians, paramedics, public safety dispatchers, and 9-1-1 operators. The bill introduces a mechanism known as 'super conciliation,' requiring parties involved in stalled negotiations to engage a super conciliator. This conciliator, selected from a list by the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission, is tasked with facilitating discussions to resolve disputes. The super conciliator's mandate involves thorough investigation, promoting continuous negotiations, and issuing recommendations to help reach an agreement.

Contention

While supporters advocate for the bill as a necessary support system for emergency service workers, some critics argue that the introduction of a super conciliator could inadvertently delay resolution times and complicate negotiation processes. Concerns have also been raised about resource allocation, as increased negotiation activity may require more administrative oversight and public funding. The bill's implications on collective bargaining rights highlight an ongoing tension between employer flexibility and employee protections in the realm of public safety labor relations.