N.Y. Labor Law § 800: Boards of inquiry in labor disputes

§ 800. Boards of inquiry in labor disputes. Where any strike, lockout,

or other labor dispute exists or is apprehended, the commissioner, for

the purpose of inquiring into the causes and circumstances of the

dispute may, if he thinks fit, refer any matters appearing to him to be

connected with or relevant to the dispute to a board of inquiry

appointed by him for the purpose of such reference; and the board shall,

either in public or in private, at its discretion, and at any place

within the state, inquire into the matters referred to it and report

thereon to the commissioner. Provided, however, that no such reference

shall be made unless and until there shall have been filed with the

commissioner a certificate of the state board of mediation stating that

in its opinion efforts to effect a voluntary settlement of the dispute

have been unsuccessful.