44-820. Agricultural labor relations; board, when activated; composition, appointment and qualifications; powers and duties; meetings and compensation; deactivation. (a) There is hereby created the agricultural labor relations board, which shall consist of three members and which shall be activated only when a complaint is filed with the secretary of agriculture alleging the existence of a controversy under this act. The secretary of agriculture shall:

(1) Forthwith request the secretary of labor to submit to the governor, within 15 days, a list containing the names of at least three persons, representative of agricultural labor;

(2) forthwith request the secretary of administration to submit to the governor, within 15 days, a list containing the names of at least three persons, representative of the general public and not identified with either agricultural labor or employers; and

(3) submit to the governor, within 15 days, a list containing the names of at least three persons, representative of agricultural employers.

From each of such lists the governor, within 10 days after receiving the same, shall appoint one member to serve on the board. The member representing the public at large shall serve as the chairperson of the board. Not more than two members of the board shall belong to the same political party. Every member of the board shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. Any vacancy in the membership of the board occurring prior to the time the board is deactivated shall be filled by the appointment of a new member in the same manner as provided for original appointment of the member being replaced.

(b) Members of the agricultural labor relations board attending meetings of the board shall be paid compensation, subsistence allowances, mileage and other expenses as provided in K.S.A. 75-3223, and amendments thereto. Members' compensation shall be paid by the department of labor from funds appropriated thereto by the legislature. The secretary of labor shall provide office space and such clerical and other staff assistance as necessary to enable the board to carry out the provisions of this act.

(c) In addition to other authority provided in this act the board shall:

(1) Establish procedures for the prevention of prohibited agricultural employer and employee organization practices as provided in K.S.A. 44-828, and amendments thereto, except that the board shall provide only for the entering of an order directing the agricultural employer or employee organization to meet and confer in good faith in the case of a claimed violation of subsection (b)(5) or (c)(5) of that section. The pendency of proceedings under this paragraph shall not be used as the basis to delay or interfere with determination of representation status pursuant to K.S.A. 44-823, and amendments thereto, or with meeting and conferring.

(2) Hold such hearings and make such inquiries as it deems necessary to carry out properly its functions and powers. For the purpose of such hearings and inquiries, the board may administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and documents, take testimony, receive evidence and compel attendance of witnesses and the production of documents by the issuance of subpoenas. Such subpoenas shall be regulated and enforced in the same manner as provided for the secretary of labor under the provisions of K.S.A. 44-611, and amendments thereto.

(3) To exercise such other powers, as appropriate to carry out the purposes and provisions of this act.

(d) The board shall be deactivated when the secretary of agriculture determines there is no pending nor threatened controversy under this act.

History: L. 1972, ch. 193, § 3; L. 1974, ch. 348, § 17; L. 1976, ch. 370, § 82; L. 1982, ch. 347, § 19; L. 1988, ch. 301, § 8; L. 1989, ch. 152, § 2; L. 2004, ch. 179, § 80; L. 2005, ch. 186, § 13; May 12.

Revisor's Note:

Section was amended twice in the 2004 session, see also 44-820a.