Committee releases arbitration overhaul; unions call for more hearing time and higher caps
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Summary
S1412, a bill revising police and fire interest-arbitration rules, was released after testimony from law-enforcement unions seeking higher daily pay and longer timelines so arbitrators can handle complex cases and avoid rushed awards.
The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee released S1412, legislation that revises statutes governing interest arbitration for police and fire contracts, after testimony from union representatives urging additional timeline and pay adjustments.
Rob Nixon of the New Jersey State PBA introduced Pat Aparo, who said the arbitrator pool had shrunk (the written testimony referenced a reduction from an earlier 21 arbitrators to seven) and that low pay and tight timelines make it difficult to recruit experienced arbitrators. "Changing the billable amount for the interest arbitrators would greatly increase the chance of bringing new interest arbitrators on board," Aparo said.
Sean Lavin, legislative chair for the New Jersey FOP, supported increased pay and mediation days but argued the bill should allow more time for complex arbitrations. He said expanding mediation to up to three days is an improvement but urged raising the total number of available hearing days (suggesting 15 to 20) and increasing the cap on compensation so arbitrators have the time to review evidence and draft reasoned awards.
Committee members discussed past abuses of uncapped arbitrator timelines and the need to balance speed with thorough review. Senators urged sponsors and stakeholders to negotiate possible amendments before the bill moves through additional committees and to consult affected parties before floor action.
On the motion to release S1412 the committee recorded affirmative votes and released the bill.
