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On January 28, 2026, the New Hampshire Arbitration Board successfully resolved a contentious contract dispute between the state government and a union representing public employees, averting a potential strike that could have disrupted essential services statewide.The dispute, which had been ongoing for several months, centered around salary increases, healthcare benefits, and working conditions for the union’s members. Negotiations between the two parties had reached an impasse, with both sides unable to come to a mutually agreeable solution.In a last-ditch effort to avoid a strike, the New Hampshire Arbitration Board was called in to mediate the dispute. After several days of intensive discussions and careful consideration of the respective positions of the government and the union, the board issued a binding decision that addressed the key issues at hand.Under the terms of the arbitration award, union members will receive a 3% salary increase for the next three years, along with improvements to their healthcare benefits and working conditions. In exchange, the union agreed to certain cost-saving measures that will help the state government manage its budget more effectively.Both parties have expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the arbitration process, which allowed them to reach a fair and equitable agreement without resorting to a strike. Governor Emily Johnson praised the work of the Arbitration Board in bringing the two sides together and preventing a potentially disruptive labor action.“We are pleased that this dispute has been resolved in a manner that is fair to all parties involved,” Governor Johnson said in a statement. “The arbitration process provided a transparent and impartial forum for resolving our differences, and we are grateful for the board’s expertise and guidance in reaching a satisfactory resolution.”The successful arbitration of this dispute is seen as a positive development for labor relations in New Hampshire, demonstrating the effectiveness of the state’s arbitration system in resolving complex disputes and ensuring the continued delivery of essential services to the public. Both the government and the union have committed to honoring the terms of the agreement and working together collaboratively in the future.