NJ S4802

Adds minimum staffing levels for sworn firefighters and fire officers assigned to each fire apparatus as a mandatory subject of collective bargaining, provided the staffing levels are rationally related to employee or public safety

Establishes a dispute resolution process when public employers and fire personnel unions disagree on whether apparatus staffing is a management prerogative or a negotiable safety matter, requiring submission to the Public Employment Relations Commission for an evidentiary hearing

Allows arbitrators to decide staffing-related grievances if they first determine the issue rationally relates to public or employee safety, with the burden of proof by preponderance of evidence on the party asserting the safety connection

Applies only to firefighters and fire officers, explicitly stating the bill does not affect rights or obligations of any other public employees under the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act

Takes effect immediately and applies to all contracts entered into or renewed after the effective date