The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) is a New York State government agency dedicated to fostering harmonious labor relations in the public sector. It provides impartial arbitration, mediation, and fact-finding services to resolve disputes between public employers and unions representing government employees. As part of its mission, PERB enforces the Taylor Law, which governs collective bargaining rights and labor practices for public employees in New York State. The agency ensures that both employees and employers engage in fair and lawful labor negotiations, promoting stability and productivity within state and local government operations.

PERB is known for its neutral stance and experienced panel of arbitrators and mediators, many of whom are experts in labor law and dispute resolution. The agency also educates parties on their rights and responsibilities under the law, offering workshops and guidance to foster better labor-management collaboration. While primarily based in Albany, PERB operates regional offices—including the Buffalo location—to serve communities across the state. With a longstanding reputation for integrity and fairness, PERB plays a critical role in maintaining peace within New York’s public workforce.

Key Services:

– Mediation and arbitration of public sector labor disputes
– Fact-finding services for impasse resolution
– Enforcement of the Taylor Law (New York State Public Employees’ Fair Employment Act)
– Unfair labor practice investigations and rulings
– Representation case proceedings (unit determination and elections)
– Administrative law judge hearings and decisions
– Training and outreach for labor relations professionals
– Maintenance of public records and decisions related to labor cases