Opinion ID: 1878678
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Impasse Resolution Statute

Text: Chapter 447, part II, Florida Statutes (2000), addresses collective bargaining practices for public employees. Section 447.403 sets forth a mechanism for resolving impasses: (1) If, after a reasonable period of negotiation concerning the terms and conditions of employment to be incorporated in a collective bargaining agreement, a dispute exists between a public employer and a bargaining agent, an impasse shall be deemed to have occurred when one of the parties so declares in writing to the other party and to the commission. When an impasse occurs, the public employer or the bargaining agent, or both parties acting jointly, may appoint, or secure the appointment of, a mediator to assist in the resolution of the impasse. (2) If no mediator is appointed, or upon the request of either party, the commission shall appoint, and submit all unresolved issues to, a special master acceptable to both parties. If the parties are unable to agree on the appointment of a special master, the commission shall appoint, in its discretion, a qualified special master. However, if the parties agree in writing to waive the appointment of a special master, the parties may proceed directly to resolution of the impasse by the legislative body pursuant to paragraph (4)(d). Nothing in this section precludes the parties from using the services of a mediator at any time during the conduct of collective bargaining. (3) The special master shall hold hearings in order to define the area or areas of dispute, to determine facts relating to the dispute, and to render a decision on any and all unresolved contract issues.... Within 15 calendar days after the close of the final hearing, the special master shall transmit his or her recommended decision to the commission and the representatives of both parties by registered mail, return receipt requested. Such recommended decision shall be discussed by the parties, and each recommendation of the special master shall be deemed approved by both parties unless specifically rejected by either party by written notice filed with the commission within 20 calendar days after the date the party received the special master's recommended decision. The written notice shall include a statement of the cause for each rejection and shall be served upon the other party. § 447.403, Fla. Stat. (2000). The statute further sets forth a procedure to be implemented in the event that either party rejects the special master's decision: (4) In the event that either the public employer or the employee organization does not accept, in whole or in part, the recommended decision of the special master: (a) The chief executive officer of the governmental entity involved shall, within 10 days after rejection of a recommendation of the special master, submit to the legislative body of the governmental entity involved a copy of the findings of fact and recommended decision of the special master, together with the chief executive officer's recommendations for settling the disputed impasse issues. The chief executive officer shall also transmit his or her recommendations to the employee organization.... (b) The employee organization shall submit its recommendation for settling the disputed impasse issues to such legislative body and to the chief executive officer; (c) The legislative body or a duly authorized committee thereof shall forthwith conduct a public hearing at which the parties shall be required to explain their positions with respect to the rejected recommendations of the special master; (d) Thereafter, the legislative body shall take such action as it deems to be in the public interest, including the interest of the public employees involved, to resolve all disputed impasse issues.... § 447.403, Fla. Stat. (2000).