This bill proposes to update the Arizona Revised Statutes by introducing the Public Employee Bargaining Act, which establishes a framework for collective bargaining between public employees and their employers. Key insertions include definitions for terms such as "appropriate bargaining unit," "exclusive representative," and "impasse," as well as the establishment of the Public Employee Labor Relations Board, which will have the authority to adopt rules, conduct hearings, and enforce compliance. The bill also outlines the rights of public employees to engage in collective bargaining and mandates good faith negotiations between public employers and exclusive representatives. Furthermore, the bill introduces new timelines for negotiations, requiring them to commence by August 1 following a written notice from the exclusive representative by July 1. In cases of impasse, a mediation process will be initiated, and if unresolved by December 1, an arbitration panel will be formed. The bill also specifies prohibited practices for public employers and labor organizations, prohibits strikes by public employees, and allows for injunctive relief to end strikes or lockouts. It sets a termination date for the labor relations board in 2034 and repeals certain statutes in 2035, while affirming the validity of collective bargaining agreements made under the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-1092.02, 41-3034.01, 38-1203, 38-1204, 38-1205, 38-611, 38-1206, 38-1207, 38-1208, 38-1209, 38-1210, 38-1212, 38-1211, 38-1213, 38-1214, 38-1215, 38-1216, 38-1217, 38-1218, 41-1001, 46-458, 15-203, 15-505, 15-534, 15-534.01, 15-535, 15-545, 15-550, 8-506.01, 8-811, 42-1251, 42-1253, 41-1092.03, 41-1092.08, 41-1092.09, 37-213, 41-1092.05, 41-1092.06, 37-215