No proof of service is required when initiating a case via OCB's e-filing system unless you are seeking injunctive relief for an improper practice claim. OCB will serve documents appropriately submitted through the e-filing system for cases other than injunctive relief petitions.

No. At this time, the e-filing system can only be used by a petitioner to initiate a case and add additional documents, such as a reply. The answer to an e-filed petition can be filed and served by email, first class or certified mail, delivery, or in person.

Yes, if you initially filed the petition via OCB's e-filing system. By clicking on My Submissions, you can submit additional documents, such as a reply to the Respondent's answer. However, documents submitted in any untimely manner or after the case has been closed will not be considered.

No. The e-filing system is a one-way intake portal. It will not reflect the stage of a proceeding or whether the case has been closed.

Select Other and provide an explanation in an attached document.

Employees, unions, and employers can file an improper practice petition or a representation petition. In addition, unions and employers can file a request for arbitration, a petition challenging arbitrability, a request for mediation, a scope of bargaining petition, a bargaining notice, or a declaration of impasse.

Yes. However, a petition for injunctive relief must be accompanied by proof that both the injunctive relief petition and the underlying improper practice petition have been served personally and by email on the designated agent for the respondent.

No. OCB's e-filing system has fields to provide all the required information. There is no need to attach the petition forms used when filing and serving by email, mail, or delivery.

Yes. Petitions filed via the e-filing system until 11:59 p.m. are deemed filed on the date submitted.

All improper practice petitions, requests for arbitration, petitions challenging arbitrability, scope of bargaining petitions, bargaining notices, responsive pleadings, motions, briefs, and requests for oral argument must be served if they are not e-filed. A request for injunctive relief must be served regardless of whether it is e-filed. A request for the appointment of an impasse panel must be served unless it is made jointly. However, representation petitions and requests for mediation do not need to be served.

Generally, service may be completed by email, first class or certified mail, delivery, or in person. A request for injunctive relief and the underlying improper practice petition must be served personally and by email on the designated agent for the respondent. Any subpoenas issued by a party must be served personally.

Initial filings must be served on the designated agent for each party. Once a party is represented by an attorney, all pleadings, motions, and briefs must be served on the party's attorney.

Contact information for the designated agents for unions can be found here. Contact information for the designated agents for employers can be found here.

Improper service may delay or result in dismissal of your petition.

Unless e-filed, a petition must be filed with proof that it has been served upon all parties. You can submit a notarized affidavit of service. Alternatively, for in-person service, you can attach a copy of a signature or "received" stamp, and for service by mail, you can attach a certified mail receipt. For service by email, you can either copy the Office of Collective Bargaining on the email or forward the email and its attachments to the Office of Collective Bargaining.

Initial filings by email should be addressed to nyc-ocb@ocb.nyc.gov, copying the designated agents for other parties. Once a Trial Examiner has been assigned or attorneys have made an appearance, you should copy the Trial Examiner and opposing counsel on all emails.

Petitions and pleadings submitted by email, mail, delivery, or in person must be received by the Office of Collective Bargaining during business hours: Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Unless e-filed, submissions received after 5:30 p.m. on a business day, over the weekend, or on a holiday are deemed filed the next business day.