The New York City Office of Collective Bargaining – New York, NY

NYC Office of Collective Bargaining: Labor Relations and Dispute Resolution

Agency Overview

The New York City Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB), located at 100 Gold Street in the Financial District, is a neutral, tri-partite government agency responsible for administering the New York City Collective Bargaining Law. This agency plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability in municipal labor relations by resolving disputes between the City of New York and its municipal unions. The OCB is unique in its structure, composed of two distinct boards: the Board of Collective Bargaining, which handles dispute resolution and improper practice petitions, and the Board of Certification, which determines bargaining units and certifies union representation. It is not a union itself but the judicial body that adjudicates labor-management issues.

Key Functions and Services

The OCB provides a forum for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through several mechanisms:

• Dispute Resolution: Adjudicating claims of improper labor practices and determining the scope of bargaining.
• Mediation and Arbitration: Appointing impartial mediators and arbitrators to help settle contract disputes.
• Certification: Deciding which employee titles are eligible for union representation and conducting union elections.

Visiting the Office

The office is situated on the 4th floor (Suite 4800) of 100 Gold Street, a building that houses various city agencies. Access is controlled, and visitors must present valid photo identification at the security desk in the lobby. The OCB is open to the public for filing documents and attending hearings, which are generally open proceedings. It is designed to be an impartial ground, distinct from the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations.