MN SF2490

Creates Minnesota Statute 179A.60 to govern labor relations and employee protections for entities created through joint powers agreements between two or more governmental units.

Presumes all employees hired by or transferred to a newly created joint powers entity form the appropriate bargaining unit unless the commissioner determines otherwise, and allows alternative structures if all parties agree.

Requires the commissioner to certify exclusive representatives using the criterion in section 179A.102 and prohibits decertification petitions for one year after certification.

Allows interim collective bargaining agreements where the entity may either adopt the contract of the member employing the largest portion of transferred employees or apply each prior contract to respective employees until a new agreement is negotiated.

Establishes employee protections including seniority based on continuous service with member entities and the new entity, layoffs and recalls based on seniority, and allows discipline for just cause with grievance rights under prior or new collective bargaining agreements.

Effective for entities established on or after January 15, 2015.