Synopsis By: Dissen - Proceeding Author: Robert D. Manning

The deferral policy of the NLRB and the advent of equal employment statutes contribute to the increasing complexity and sophistication of the exercise of arbitral power. Abuses of power are not limited to complex cases or major aspects of a case, however. Venial offenses, such as repetitious recitation of the respective positions of the parties in the written opinion and indecisiveness in disposing of objections during the hearing also detract from the process and lessen the acceptability of an arbitrator. Parties may legislate against some arbitral abuses through careful drafting of grievance arbitration procedures .