HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4018        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2767

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Daniel Cahill, (BY REQUEST)

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing a commission to resolve issues arising from collective bargaining stalemates.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4018        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2767

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act establishing a commission to resolve issues arising from collective bargaining stalemates.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 1. Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this Act is to establish a Commission to study the results of impasses in collective bargaining negotiations between public sector employers and employee unions.

Section 2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them:

(a) "Commission" means the Collective Bargaining Resolution Commission established under this Act. (b) "Collective bargaining stalemate" means a situation where negotiation between a public employer and a recognized employee union has failed to reach an agreement after a reasonable period. (c) "Public employer" means any government entity, agency, or department involved in collective bargaining with a union representing public employees. (d) "Union" means a labor organization recognized as the exclusive representative of public employees in a bargaining unit.

Section 3. Establishment of the Commission

There is hereby established a Commission to research and report to the Legislature on the effects from collective bargaining stalemates (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission").

Section 4. Composition of the Commission

(a) The Commission shall consist of the following members: (1) One member appointed by the Governor. (2) One member appointed by the Speaker of the House. (3) One member appointed by the Senate President. (4) One member representing the Massachusetts Teachers Association. (5) One member representing the American Federation of Teachers. (6) One member representing public employers, appointed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. (7) One independent member with expertise in mediation and dispute resolution, appointed by the Governor.

Section 5: Term

The Commission shall report its findings to the Legislature on or before July 31, 2026.

Section 6. Effective Date

This Act shall take effect 90 days after its passage and approval by the Governor.