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May 31, 2012

Filing exceptions to a PERB administrative law judge’s determination


Filing exceptions to a PERB administrative law judge’s determination
Matter of County of Ontario and Ontario County Sheriff [Joint employers] PERB decision U-30353

The Board rejected the Joint Employer’s contention that it had a right to file exceptions to an ALJ’s interim decision denying its motion to dismiss a charge, without the necessity of seeking leave to file exceptions from the Board pursuant to § 212.4(h) of the Rules of Procedure (Rules).

The Board reached its conclusion based upon well-established precedent requiring a party to seek permission to file exceptions from interim decisions and rulings pursuant to §212.4(h) of the Rules.

Nevertheless, the Board treated the Joint Employer’s pleading as a motion for leave to file exceptions and concluded that the Joint Employer failed to demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.

Pursuant to §205.5(d) of the Public Employees’ Fair Employment Act (Act), PERB has exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether an employer has engaged in an improper practice in violation of §209-a.1 of the Act. The fact that a notice of claim was served asserting an alternative motivational theory underlying the alleged retaliation did not deprive PERB of jurisdiction to hear the pending charge, nor did it constitute a waiver of jurisdiction.

The Board noted, however, that although the pursuit of ancillary litigation may not deprive of PERB of jurisdiction or constitute a waiver, the results of such litigation may, in certain circumstances, form the basis for a collateral estoppel defense to a charge pending at PERB. 

Practice Tip noted by PERB staff:

Practitioners are reminded that under Board precedent, motions for leave to file exceptions are very rarely granted due to the strict standard requiring a movant to demonstrate extraordinary circumstances. This high standard is applied by the Board based upon the view that it is far more efficient to await the final disposition of the merits of a charge before examining interim determinations and to avoid unnecessary delays in the processing of improper practice charges. 

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NYPPL Blogger Harvey Randall served as Principal Attorney, New York State Department of Civil Service; Director of Personnel, SUNY Central Administration; Director of Research, Governor’s Office of Employee Relations; and Staff Judge Advocate General, New York Guard. Consistent with the Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations, the material posted to this blog is presented with the understanding that neither the publisher nor NYPPL and, or, its staff and contributors are providing legal advice to the reader and in the event legal or other expert assistance is needed, the reader is urged to seek such advice from a knowledgeable professional.
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