SB 1247
An Act amending the act of July 23, 1970 (P.L.563, No.195), known as the Public Employe Relations Act, in collective bargaining impasse, further providing for interest arbitration.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s Public Employe Relations Act to establish a process for interest arbitration in cases of collective bargaining impasses. Specifically, it outlines that when mediation fails for certain groups of public employees – including prison guards, mental hospital employees, court employees, and peace officers – the dispute will be submitted to a panel of arbitrators. The arbitrators’ decision will be binding, except for provisions requiring legislative action, which will be considered advisory.
Key provisions
- Establishes interest arbitration for specific groups of public employees (prison guards, mental hospital employees, court employees, and peace officers).
- The process begins after mediation fails under existing law.
- Arbitrator decisions are binding on both parties.
- Decisions requiring legislative action are considered advisory only.
- The bill applies to units of employees covered by the Public Employe Relations Act.
- It amends Section 805 of the Public Employe Relations Act.
- The act takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Who is affected
- Public Employees
- Prison Guards
- Mental Hospital Employees
- Court Employees
- Peace Officers
Notable changes
- Expands the use of interest arbitration beyond previous limitations.
- Clarifies that legislative action is required for certain arbitrator decisions.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
David Argall
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