SB926 Summary

• Modifies factors that arbitration panels must consider when making binding contract decisions for public employee labor disputes in Hawaii.

• Requires arbitration panels to consider the additional potential costs that would result if proposed compensation increases were applied to all other bargaining units, as presented by the employer.

• Limits wage comparison considerations to similar services performed within Hawaii only, removing references to comparisons with services outside the state.

• Removes factor (10) regarding other factors traditionally considered in voluntary collective bargaining, narrowing the arbitration panel's discretion.

• Allows legislative bodies (state and county) to reject cost items submitted for appropriation and to report perceived failures by the arbitration panel to properly apply the statutory factors; if rejected, all cost items return to the parties for further bargaining.