International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 409 v. State of New York Public Employment Relations Board

# Court Ruling Summary: Union Information Dispute **What Happened** The Operating Engineers Union, Local 409, refused to give the State of New York Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) information about custodians' employees and spending during contract negotiations. The state requested this data to help with collective bargaining discussions. **The Court's Decision** New York's appellate court agreed with PERB that the union violated state law by withholding the requested information. The court unanimously ruled against the union, finding that providing such information is required during contract negotiations. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling clarifies that unions must share relevant employment and financial information with employers during contract talks. While unions protect worker interests, they have a legal obligation to participate honestly in negotiations by providing necessary data. Without such information, both sides cannot negotiate fairly. However, this doesn't mean unions must surrender all documents—only information genuinely needed for contract discussions.