Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 34B, § 13

An employee of a sheriff of an abolished county, or of Hampshire county after August 31, 1998 shall be an “employee” or “public employee” as defined in section 1 of chapter 150E and the sheriff of such county shall be an “employer” or “public employer” as defined in said section 1 of said chapter 150E. A collective bargaining agreement negotiated by each such sheriff shall be submitted to the governor in conformity with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 7 of said chapter 150E.