IL SB0453

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act to remove the limitation that first contract arbitration procedures only apply to bargaining units with fewer than 35 employees

Expands first contract arbitration eligibility to all newly certified public employee bargaining units, regardless of size, excluding peace officers, fire fighters, and security employees

Maintains existing first contract procedures: parties must begin bargaining within 10 days of a written request, may request mediation after 90 days of bargaining, and may request binding arbitration after 30 days of mediation

Preserves the right to strike until an arbitration hearing is actually convened during first contract negotiations

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law