NJ S2781

Adds minimum staffing levels for firefighters and fire officers on fire apparatus as a mandatory subject of collective bargaining in New Jersey, provided staffing levels are rationally related to employee or public safety.

Establishes a dispute resolution process where disagreements about whether staffing is a management prerogative or safety-related subject go to the Public Employment Relations Commission for an evidentiary hearing.

Allows arbitrators to decide staffing disputes as a preliminary matter in grievance arbitrations, with authority to rule on the merits if the issue relates to safety.

Places the burden of proof (preponderance of evidence) on the party claiming the staffing matter rationally relates to public or employee safety.

Applies only to firefighter and fire officer personnel and does not affect rights of other public employees under New Jersey's Employer-Employee Relations Act.