Public Employment Relations Board

The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) was created by the Public Employees’ Fair Employment Act of 1967, commonly referred to as the Taylor Law. PERB’s mission includes: 

  • the impartial application and enforcement of the Taylor Law
  • the prevention of strikes, protecting the delivery of services to constituents
  • the protection of the rights of public employees to organize without interference or detriment
  • the determination of appropriate bargaining units and the direction of the process of representative selection
  • and issuance of determinations on charges of improper employment practices. 

The agency also has the statutory responsibility to provide impasse resolution services. 

Effective July 2010, PERB’s mission was broadened to encompass administration of the New York State Employment Relations Act (SERA).

LAWS ADMINISTERED BY PERB
Public Sector: Taylor Law

The Taylor Law grants public employees the right to join and participate in the activities of any union of their choice, or to decline to do so, and requires State public employers to bargain collectively with unions chosen by employees to represent their interests regarding terms and conditions of employment. The law also continued the previous prohibition against strikes by public employees. 

Taylor Law
Private Sector: New York State Employment Relations Act (SERA)

SERA provides certain employment protections applicable to New York State private sector employees. SERA was recently amended by the Legislature to expand its protections to include farm laborers, pursuant to the Farm Laborers’ Fair Labor Practices Act (FLFLPA).      

SERA Law
Forms and Petitions
Find forms and petitions with instructions on how to file various charges, requests for investigations, and more with PERB.

Meetings, News, and FAQs

Request Publications
As part of its continuing effort to educate the public about the Taylor Law and other statutes administered by the agency, publications are available to order by completing the order form and submitting payment.
Contact
Staff Directory
Find a staff directory for PERB's Albany, Brooklyn and Buffalo offices.