The purpose of this chapter is to establish a Department of Labor Relations,
headed by a Commissioner of Labor Relations, whose main purpose would be to
develop a closer working relationship between labor and management in Rockland
County. Said Commissioner would consult with and give guidance to the Legislature
of Rockland County and its agencies and boards on matters of interest to the
labor force of Rockland County. Said Commissioner would be aided by an Advisory
Board appointed by the Legislature of Rockland County. The Department and
the Advisory Board would be involved in forming a permanent relationship between
labor, management, industry and government in Rockland County. The Commissioner
would offer unpaid mediation services when requested by both labor and management.
The Department of Labor Relations shall be staffed with secretarial
and clerical help by utilizing existing staff and/or CETA personnel to the
extent permitted by federal regulations. The Chairman of the Legislature of
Rockland County shall determine the members of said staff within the guidelines
set forth herein. The Department of Labor Relations shall be given available
County office space as shall be determined by the Chairman of the Legislature
of Rockland County.
In addition to such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by
the County Legislature, the Department of Labor Relations shall:
A. Collect and compile such statistical information and
other data with regard to labor, generally, within the County of Rockland
and shall provide an official and central source of accurate and timely labor
information.
B. Make available to the public such statistical information
and data upon request, at such fees as shall be set by the Legislature of
Rockland County.
C. Hold such conferences and meetings with labor, industrial
and commercial groups or enterprises in order to further the general welfare
of labor and in the interest of all residents of the County of Rockland.
D. Make the Commissioner available in the public and private
sector as an unpaid mediator so as to provide mediation services when requested
by both labor and management in any labor dispute or employee grievance, subject
to collective bargaining agreements and the Civil Service Law of the State
of New York.
E. Advise the Legislature of Rockland County and its committees
prior to the awarding of any and all County public works bids as to the responsibility
of the lowest bidder.
F. Give advice and guidance to the Consumer Protection Agency and to the Plumbing and Electrical Boards of the County of Rockland,
when requested by those agencies.
G. Make such reports with regard to the functions of the
Department as shall be required from time to time by the Chairman of the Legislature
of Rockland County. Copies of all such reports shall be transmitted by the
Commissioner of Labor simultaneously to both the Legislature of Rockland County
and the Chairman.