A review of key NLRB deferral decisions and related court decisions that have resulted in the expectation that arbitrators will apply the law. An increase in the arbitration of statutorily-based issues is seen as likely, and the author suggests the publication of arbitration awards in which NLRB charges have been deferred. More clearly articulated standards …

Significant developments for 1980 – including statutory, judicial, and related activity – in public employment disputes settlement at federal, state, and local levels in the United States and in Canada.

An examination, by NLRB General Counsel, of the NLRB’s rules for deferring to labor arbitration in unfair labor practice cases. The history of the deferral doctrine is traced from the 1955 Spielberg decision through the 1971 Collyer decision. The discussion includes the potential impact of deferral on the arbitration process, the role of the arbitrator, …

An examination of the relationship between arbitration and the NLRB. Includes discussion of Board deferral to arbitration in unfair labor practice and representation cases, both where arbitration has been used and where it is available but has not been used; the duty to furnish information relevant to contract administration; and arguably invalid contract clauses. Also …

Discussion of the historical status of labor arbitration; evolution of the jurisdiction of arbitrators, the NLRB, and courts to interpret labor agreements; Supreme Court decisions and NLRB policies regarding NLRB interpretation of labor agreements; and the impact on finality of an award considering or ignoring statutes. Lengthy discussion of the junction of representation / work …