New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 4 - DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE
Chapter VII - PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD
Part 204 - Improper Practices
Section 204.3 - Answer

Universal Citation: 4 NY Comp Codes Rules and Regs ยง 204.3

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024

(a) Filing.

The respondent shall file with the director an original and 4 copies of an answer to the charge, with proof of service of a copy thereof on all other parties within 10 working days after receipt of a copy of the charge from the director. Should the chairperson authorize electronic filing of such answer, the filing of a signed paper original consistent with this section and electronic filing and service of a copy shall constitute compliance with the filing and service requirements herein contained. The original shall be signed and sworn to before any person authorized to administer oaths.

(b) Motion for particularization of the charge.

If the respondent believes that a charge is so vague and indefinite that it cannot reasonably be required to frame an answer, the respondent may, within 10 working days after receipt of a copy of the charge from the director, file, in the same manner as would be applicable to the filing of an answer, a motion with the administrative law judge, with proof of service on all other parties, for an order directing the charging party to file a verified statement supplying specified information. The charging party may likewise file a response to the motion within seven working days after its receipt thereof, with proof of service of a copy of the response on all other parties. The filing of such motion will extend the time during which the respondent must file and serve its answer until 10 working days after receipt of the ruling of the administrative law judge on the motion, or until such later date as the administrative law judge may set. The failure of a party to timely comply with an order of particularization may, in the discretion of the administrative law judge, constitute ground for precluding the party from offering any evidence as to the matters dealt with by the order.

(c) Contents.

(1) The answer shall include a specific admission, denial or explanation of each allegation of the charge or, if the respondent is without knowledge thereof, the answer shall so state and such statement shall operate as a denial. Admissions or denials may be made to all or part of an allegation, but shall fairly meet the circumstances of the allegation.

(2) The answer shall include a specific, detailed statement of any affirmative defense, including but not limited to an allegation that the violation occurred more than four months before the filing of the charge. A clear and concise statement of the facts supporting any affirmative defense, including the names of the individuals involved and the date and place of the occurrence of each particular act alleged, shall be set forth. An answer to an alleged violation of section 209-a.1(g) of the act shall identify the statute, interest arbitration award, collectively negotiated agreement, policy, or practice that forms the basis of the employer's affirmative defense, if any.

(d) Motion for particularization of the answer.

If the charging party believes that the statement of facts supporting any affirmative defense is so vague and indefinite that such charging party cannot reasonably be expected to address them in an expeditious manner at a hearing, such charging party may, within 10 working days after receipt of the answer, file with the administrative law judge in the same manner applicable to the filing of the charge a motion for an order directing the respondent to file a verified statement supplying specified information. The respondent may file a response to the motion within seven working days after its receipt thereof, with proof of service of a copy of the response on all other parties. The failure of a party to timely comply with an order of particularization may, in the discretion of the administrative law judge, constitute grounds for precluding the respondent from offering any evidence as to the matters dealt with by the order.

(e) Amendment.

The administrative law judge may permit the respondent to amend the answer upon good cause shown at any time before or during the hearing, or at any time prior to the issuance of the administrative law judge's decision and recommended order, upon such terms as may be deemed just, consistent with due process.

(f) Admission by failure to answer.

If the respondent fails to file a timely answer, the administrative law judge may deem such failure to constitute an admission of the material facts alleged in the charge and a waiver by the respondent of a hearing.

(g) A public employer which is made a party to an improper practice charge pursuant to section 209-a.3 of the act may file responsive pleadings in accordance with subdivisions (a)-(e) of this section. The administrative law judge may deem the public employer's failure to file any responsive pleading to constitute a waiver of the public employer's right to participate in any hearing held on the allegations of impropriety set forth in the charge.

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