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Collective bargaining office reports 367 active labor cases and negotiates across 32 bargaining units
Summary
The Office of Collective Bargaining told the budget committee it operates with seven staff plus an assistant attorney general, handles 367 active cases across multiple categories and seeks a $1.26 million operating budget for FY2026 to maintain legal and negotiation capacity.
The Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) appeared before the Budget Committee on June 26 to defend a FY2026 operating request of $1,263,391 and to summarize the office’s growing caseload and bargaining schedule.
“OCB continues its statutory commitment to amicably resolve pending cases and avoid future ones,” Chief Negotiator Josh Springett told senators. Springett said OCB’s caseload as of May 31 was 367 matters, including 294 rights‑arbitration cases, 36 unfair‑labor practice charges, 27 civil cases, and several unit‑clarification and recertification matters. The office reported receiving 59 new matters and closing 33 between October 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025.
Springett reviewed the office’s negotiation responsibilities: OCB represents the executive branch in collective bargaining, coordinates government positions in mediation and arbitration, conducts studies to support bargaining and prepares an annual report to the governor and Legislature. He listed recent settlements and ongoing negotiations across dozens of bargaining units — including unions representing corrections staff, waste‑authority supervisors, hospital personnel and teachers — and provided a tentative negotiation schedule for the calendar year.
Budget and staffing. OCB requested personnel services of about $692,487 (54.8% of its total request) and explained that other lines cover professional services, rent and IT. The office said it currently employs seven classified non‑union positions and uses one Assistant Attorney General assigned by the Department of Justice for legal work. The assistant attorney general handles litigation and legal research; OCB staff said in‑house workload includes contract negotiations, grievance processing and training for agency managers.
Springett asked for the committee’s approval of the FY2026 request and emphasized training and staffing needs — particularly the importance of filling vacancies that limit the office’s ability to respond quickly to disputes. The office said it is recruiting for a financial officer, paralegal and legal counsel and noted that caseload growth increases demand for labor expertise across government.
Springett closed by noting successful recent negotiated agreements and the office’s role in reducing costly litigation through early intervention and mediation; he said the most immediate priority is to fill standing vacancies so OCB can maintain timely representation for the executive branch during negotiations and disputes.
