(a) The board shall, on or before July 1, 1973, and quadrennially thereafter, appoint an agent, who shall be the representative of the board, for a term of four years at an annual salary to be set by the board, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in accordance with the provisions of section 4-40. Said agent may be removed by the board for cause shown in public hearing, after the agent has been given a copy of the charges made and has had an opportunity to answer such charges. The board may fill any vacancy in this office by appointment for the unexpired term. Said agent shall diligently investigate any complaints referred to him by the board and any other violations of this chapter that come to his attention. If the agent finds reasonable ground for any complaint or considers that there has been a violation of this chapter, he shall issue, and cause to be served upon the person complained of, a petition stating the charges and containing a notice of a hearing before the board at the time and place therein fixed, to be held not less than seven days after the service of such complaint. If the agent considers that there has been no violation of this chapter, he shall report in writing to the board, stating fully his reasons and recommendations. In any civil or criminal case, any preliminary proceeding to such case, or any legislative or administrative proceeding, the agent or assistant agent shall not disclose any confidential communication made to him in the course of his duties under any of the statutes administered by the board, unless the party making such communication waives such privilege.

(b) There shall be established the full-time position of legal counsel for the State Board of Labor Relations. On or before October 1, 1977, and quadrennially thereafter, the board shall appoint said counsel for a term of four years, at an annual salary to be set by the board subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in accordance with the provisions of section 4-40. Said counsel may be removed by the board for cause shown in public hearing, after said counsel has been given a copy of the charges made and has an opportunity to answer such charges. The board may fill any vacancy in this office by appointment for the unexpired term. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 3-125, said counsel shall represent the State Board of Labor Relations in court on all matters in which the board is a party or is interested, or in which the official acts or doings of said board are called in question, investigate legal questions for the board, and aid in the preparation of decisions. Said counsel shall also represent the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration in all matters involving collective bargaining rights of state employees. The board shall designate the agent appointed under subsection (a) of this section or any assistant agent who is an attorney to serve as assistant counsel as it deems necessary.

(1949 Rev., S. 7390; 1949, S. 3032d; P.A. 77-610, S. 2, 3; P.A. 81-22; P.A. 82-472, S. 106, 183.)

History: P.A. 77-610 added Subsec. (b) establishing position of legal council for board of labor relations; P.A. 81-22 afforded agents and assistant agents a testimonial privilege in order to prevent disclosure of confidential communications made by parties to an agent in the course of his duties unless the right is waived by the affected party; P.A. 82-472 made technical correction.