A.B.D. No. 92-4

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

BEFORE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION APPEAL BOARD

In the Matter of

WALTER BARAN, et al.	OAL DOCKET NO. PRB 6888-89

Petitioners,	AB DOCKET NO. AB-89-l

-and-

FOP LODGE NO. 59,

Respondent.

Paul L. Kleinbaum (Zazzali, Zazzali, Fagella & Nowak, attorneys) for petitioners

Stephen C. Richman (Markowitz & Richman, attorneys) for respondent

DECISION AND ORDER

On July l, l988, Walter R. Baran and 41* other petitioners filed a petition of appeal with the Public Employment Relations Commission Appeal Board. The petitioners are employed by the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department and are represented in collective negotiations by, but are not members of, respondent FOP Lodge No. 59. The petition seeks review of representation the petitioners fees paid to the FOP. On June l4, 1989, the FOP filed an Answer. On September l2, l989, this matter was transferred to the Office of Administrative Law as a contested case and was assigned to Administrative Law Judge Arnold Samuels. The FOP and the petitioners have entered into a settlement. On November 4, l99l,

* See OAL decision (attached hereto) for names of petitioners.

Judge Samuels issued an "Initial Decision-Settlement." He reviewed the terms of the settlement and concluded that it was entered into voluntarily and disposed of all issues in dispute. He approved the settlement and ordered that all parties comply with its terms. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14B-10, the matter is now before the Appeal Board to affirm, reverse, remand or modify Judge Samuel's order.

We have reviewed the settlement and Judge Samuels' order, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14B-10, and conclude that his action is correct.

ORDER

The Initial Decision-Settlement of Judge Samuels is hereby affirmed.

BY ORDER OF THE APPEAL BOARD

HELEN VERHAGE

Acting Chairman

Acting Chairman Verhage and Board Member Dorf voted in favor of this decision. Chairman Noto was not present.

DATED: TRENTON, NEW JERSEY

December 17, l991

ISSUED:	December 18, l99l