Research


Administrative History

The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) was established in 1967 by the so-called Taylor Law (Public Employees' Fair Employment Act). The agency is responsible for helping to resolve labor relations disputes between public employee unions and State and local governments, including school districts. PERB engages in mediation, fact-finding, and arbitration services in disputes over contract agreements; resolves questions of union representation; and hears charges of improper labor practices by public employers, employees and employee organizations.

Within PERB, Counsel's Office represents the agency in litigation, investigates work stoppages to determine if they are strikes (which are illegal for public employees), issues and litigates strike charges, investigates compliance with Board orders and local government provisions and procedures, prepares recommended Board decisions and orders, and provides other legal services to the agency. Since 1995, Counsel's Office has also been responsible for receiving applications for injunctive relief and determining whether such relief should be sought from the state's courts.

The legal authority for the injunctive relief process is found in Section 209-a (4) of Civil Service Law; PERB's procedural rules for the process are in 4 NYCRR 204.15.