Sec. 142.159. RATIFICATION AND ENFORCEABILITY OF AGREEMENT. (a) An agreement made under this subchapter between a public employer and an association is binding on the public employer, the association, and the emergency medical services personnel covered by the agreement if:
(1) the municipality's governing body ratifies the agreement by a majority vote; and
(2) the association recognized under Section 142.155 ratifies the agreement by a majority vote of its members voting in an election by secret ballot at which only members of the association who are eligible to sign a petition under Section 142.155 may vote.
(b) An agreement ratified as described by Subsection (a) may establish a procedure by which the parties agree to resolve disputes related to a right, duty, or obligation provided by the agreement, including binding arbitration on interpretation of the agreement.
(c) The state district court of the judicial district in which the municipality is located has jurisdiction to hear and resolve a dispute under the ratified agreement on the application of a party to the agreement aggrieved by an act or omission of the other party. The court may issue proper restraining orders, temporary and permanent injunctions, or any other writ, order, or process, including a contempt order, that is appropriate to enforce the agreement.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 187 (S.B. 1104), Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 2007.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees
Subtitle A - Municipal Officers and Employees
Chapter 142 - Assistance, Benefits, and Working Conditions of Municipal Officers and Employees
Section 142.151. Applicability
Section 142.153. General Provisions Relating to Agreements
Section 142.154. Strikes Prohibited
Section 142.155. Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Association
Section 142.1565. Election to Authorize Operating Under This Subchapter
Section 142.157. Selection of Bargaining Agents
Section 142.158. Open Records Required
Section 142.159. Ratification and Enforceability of Agreement
Section 142.160. Agreement Supersedes Conflicting Provisions
Section 142.1605. Action or Election to Repeal Authorization to Operate Under This Subchapter
Section 142.161. Repeal of Agreement by Electorate