A.B.D. No. 2001-1

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

BEFORE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION APPEAL BOARD

OAL DKT No. PRB-7446-96

AGENCY DKT NO. AB-96-5

LISA NEWMAN,

Petitioner,

v.

PROBATION ASSOCIATION OF

NEW JERSEY,

Respondent.

Nicole L. Masciarella, Esq., for petitioner, (Fusco & Macaluso, attorneys)

Dennis J. Alessi, Esq. for respondent (Fox & Fox, attorneys)

DECISION AND ORDER

On March 26, 1996, a petition of appeal was filed with the Public Employment Relations Commission Appeal Board by Lisa Newman, an employee of the State Of New Jersey/Administrative Office of the Courts who pays a representation fee in lieu of dues to the Probation Association of New Jersey, a majority representative organization. The petition asserted that PANJ improperly collected representation fees from her paycheck without advance notice. On July 9, 1996, the case was transferred to the Office of Administrative Law for hearing and assigned to Administrative Law Judge Stephen G. Weiss. After two days of hearings, Judge Weiss in November, 1999, entered an interlocutory order partially dismissing the petition.

Additional hearing dates were set for April, 2001. Prior to those hearings the parties advised Judge Weiss that they had reached an agreement and submitted a Stipulation of Settlement for his review.

The Administrative Law Judge reviewed the terms of the settlement and concluded that it was entered into voluntarily, fully disposed of all issues in dispute, and was consistent with law.

On April 30, 2001 Judge Weiss issued an "Initial Decision-Settlement" ordering that all parties comply with the terms of the settlement and concluding the proceedings before him. We have reviewed the settlement and his Order, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14B-10, and conclude that his action is correct.

ORDER

The Initial Decision of the Office of Administrative Law (attached hereto) is hereby affirmed.

BY ORDER OF THE APPEAL BOARD

CATHERINE FRANK-WHITE

Chairman

DATED: TRENTON, NEW JERSEY

May 31, 2001

ISSUED:	May 31, 2001