Section 200. Statement of policy

The legislature of the state of New York
  declares that it is the public policy of the state and  the  purpose  of
  this  act  to  promote  harmonious and cooperative relationships between
  government and its employees and to protect the public by  assuring,  at
  all  times,  the  orderly  and uninterrupted operations and functions of
  government.   These policies are best effectuated  by  (a)  granting  to
  public  employees  the  right  of  organization  and representation, (b)
  requiring the state, local governments and other political  subdivisions
  to  negotiate  with,  and  enter  into  written agreements with employee
  organizations representing public employees which have been certified or
  recognized, (c) encouraging such  public  employers  and  such  employee
  organizations  to  agree  upon  procedures  for  resolving disputes, (d)
  creating a public employment relations  board  to  assist  in  resolving
  disputes   between  public  employees  and  public  employers,  and  (e)
  continuing the prohibition  against  strikes  by  public  employees  and
  providing remedies for violations of such prohibition.