The author addresses interest arbitration in the public sector. The various forms of dispute procedures are listed, and the legal challenges that have been made to interest arbitration are described. The focus of the article is the New York City experience, including the history of the NYC Collective Bargaining Law and the procedures set forth …

An examination of the growing acceptance of interest arbitration in the public sector as a means of contract settlement and an alternative, or prerequisite, to strike. The New York experience is discussed.

A description of Pennsylvania’s six years’ experience with compulsory interest arbitration in the public sector.

A discussion of public sector final offer arbitration in Michigan.

A discussion of the public sector final offer arbitration process in Wisconsin.

A summary of 1973-74 state legislation enacting or amending public employee bargaining laws and court and agency decisions interpreting public sector bargaining laws.

Discussion of grievance arbitration, distinguishing federal sector from state and local government experience. Includes discussion of advisory arbitration, types of issues submitted, available forums; differences in extent of unionization within public employment; limits on adopting private-sector practices in the public sector; and possible directions of development.