The labor relations group provides a multitude of professional services, including labor relations/personnel consultation.

Management representation at the negotiation table during collective bargaining is offered to each school district. This includes all the activities in negotiating a contract; from developing original proposals through ratification of the agreement.

This group compiles and publishes annual wage and benefit surveys for teachers, administrators, support staff and per diem substitutes, which includes data regarding health insurance and retirement benefits.

The professional staff has access to Westlaw and other research tools to obtain legal updates on cases regarding matters arising under the Education, Civil Service, Labor Law and the applicable rules and regulations.

Consultation and assistance is provided to comply with local civil service rules and regulations through our Civil Service Liaison. In addition, the labor relations group provides advice and assistance interpreting and understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Workers’ Compensation claims, discrimination law and any other laws at the state or federal level that impact our Districts.

The labor relations team provides professional expertise to investigate employee disciplinary matters, employee complaints, harassment complaints, and other issues that may require management representation in grievances, arbitration and/or civil service matters.

This group conducts in service training sessions and provides continuous updates on labor relations topics through newsletters and bulletins. Regional meetings on labor relations topics and personnel issues are held multiple times throughout the school year for superintendents and School Personnel Administrators (CNYASPA and MASLA).