The Union alleged that the NYC Public Advocate violated NYCCBL § 12-306(a)(1) by interfering with the collective bargaining relationship between the Union, the City, and the NYPD and by engaging in direct dealing with Union members. The City argues that the Public Advocate is not the employer of the employees in question and therefore has no duty to bargain over legislative proposals or comments made in support of such legislation. It also argues that his actions did not interfere with employees’ rights, nor did his statements constitute direct dealing since he did not make any threatening statements or promise any benefits. The Board found that the Public Advocate’s statements did not rise to the level of direct dealing or an independent claim of interference in violation of NYCCBL § 12-306(a)(1). Accordingly, the petit

14-OCB2d-26-BCB-2021.pdf