Interest Arbitration

The State of Minnesota recognizes that vital services are provided to the public by specific governmental employee groups, and therefore prohibits them from going out on strike. These employees are considered “essential” and include firefighters, peace officers, public safety dispatchers, correctional facilities guards, confidential, and supervisory employees. Instead of the right to strike, essential employees are afforded the opportunity to proceed to mediation and interest arbitration to resolve contract disputes over terms and conditions of employment.

Arbitration is a method of resolving labor disputes (a form of alternative dispute resolution) by employing a neutral third party, in this case an arbitrator, to review the facts and make a decision that is binding on both parties. In interest arbitration, the arbitrator intervenes in the process to resolve an impasse in negotiations.