N.Y. Labor Law § 700: Findings and policy

§ 700. Findings and policy. In the interpretation and application of

this article, and otherwise, it is hereby declared to be the public

policy of the state to encourage the practice and procedure of

collective bargaining, and to protect employees in the exercise of full

freedom of association, self-organization and designation of

representatives of their own choosing for the purposes of collective

bargaining, or other mutual aid and protection, free from the

interference, restraint or coercion of their employers.

It is also hereby declared as the public policy of this state that the

best interests of the people of the state are served by the prevention

or prompt settlement of labor disputes and that the voluntary resolution

of such disputes will tend to promote permanent industrial peace and the

health, welfare, comfort and safety of the people of the state.

Representatives of employers and employees engaged in such disputes are

encouraged voluntarily to submit them to the agency created by this

article prior to engaging in a strike, lock-out or other cessation of

employment; and should participate fully and promptly in any meetings

which may be arranged by the agency for the purpose of resolving the

dispute.

To carry out such policy, the necessity for the enactment of the

provisions of this article is hereby declared as a matter of legislative

determination.

All the provisions of this article shall be liberally construed for

the accomplishment of this purpose.

This article shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the

state for the protection of the public welfare, prosperity, health and

peace of the people of the state.