Massachusetts S1217 amends collective bargaining laws for public employees, extending negotiation periods and limiting strike actions.

Massachusetts S1217 amends the state's collective bargaining laws for public employees, extending the negotiation period before a strike can occur from a "reasonable period" to six months. This change applies to all public employees except public safety employees. The bill also limits the use of mediation to six months and modifies the conditions under which an impasse can be declared. The provisions do not apply once a petition for impasse determination is filed, except in cases involving public safety employees.

Massachusetts S1217 amends collective bargaining laws for public employees, extending negotiation periods and limiting strike actions.

Massachusetts S1217 amends the state's collective bargaining laws for public employees, extending the negotiation period before a strike can occur from a "reasonable period" to six months. This change applies to all public employees except public safety employees. The bill also limits the use of mediation to six months and modifies the conditions under which an impasse can be declared. The provisions do not apply once a petition for impasse determination is filed, except in cases involving public safety employees.