New York State Public Employment Relations Board

The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) was created in 1967 with the enactment of the Public Employees' Fair Employment Act (commonly known as the Taylor Law). Although the Taylor Law constitutes §200-214 of the Civil Service Law, PERB was established as an independent agency, statutorily separated from the Civil Service Department. The Taylor Law granted public employees throughout the State the right to join and participate in the activities of any union of their choice, or to decline to do so, and required New York State public employers to bargain collectively with unions chosen by employees regarding terms and conditions of employment. The law also continued the previous prohibition against strikes by public employees. For purposes of performing the functions mandated by the Taylor Law, the agency is organized with the Board as the policy-making body; an Executive Director with administrative and budgetary responsibilities; and three program units with directors responsible for each. The Office of Conciliation administers the collective negotiations dispute resolution processes; the Office of Public Employment Practices and Representation is responsible for resolving representation and improper practice matters; and the Office of Counsel represents PERB in court actions. The main office of PERB is located in Albany; PERB regional offices are located in New York City and Buffalo.