New York (State). Board of Mediation

In June 1806, the legislature of the State of New York enacted legislation, chapter 410 of the Laws of the State of New York, to provide for the amicable adjustment of grievances and disputes that may arise between employers and employees, and to authorize the creation of a State Board of Arbitration. In March 1887, the legislature enacted legislation, chapter 63, of the Laws of the State of New York, to provide for the amicable adjustment of grievances and disputes that may arise between employers and employees, and to authorize the creation of a State Board of Mediation and Arbitration.

Since then, there have been surprisingly few major changes in the actual procedures of mediating and arbitrating labor disputes, although the form of the agency has undergone several transformations. The present Board was established in 1937 by act of the legislature. The provisions of the act constitute article 21 of the Labor Law of New York State. Section 750 sets forth the purpose and function of the Board of Mediation in a "declaration of policy." This section also establishes the Board and provides for a membership of seven persons to be appointed by the Governor by and with the advice of the Senate. The Board shall be within the Department of Labor. Section 752 defines the Board's objective as to "take such steps as will most effectively and expeditiously carry out the policy declared in Section 750." Section 753 delineates the powers and duties of the Board. It provides that upon its own motion, in an existing, imminent or threatened labor dispute, the Board may, and, upon the direction of the Governor, the board must take such steps as it may deem expedient to effect and voluntary amicable and expeditious adjustment and settlement of the differences and issues between employer and employees which have precipitated or culminated in or threat to precipitate or culminate in such labor disputes.

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