The New York State Public Employment Relations Board has ordered that the negotiations between New York City and the PBA go to binding arbitration. The Board appointed a mediator last May when the union declared the two sides were at an impasse. Both sides have now been asked to select the three member panel that will hear arguments and determine the terms of a new contract. The union still plans to demonstrate at the Republican National Convention next week.
See "Binding Arbitration Ordered in Police Negotiations", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, August 23, 2004