The article examines 78 arbitration decisions that weigh the employer’s right to discipline for absenteeism against the employee’s family care-giving responsibilities. It places such absences… Read More »Work and family conflict.1. Work/family conflict: the arbitrator’s role
Arbitrator Knowlton posits that fairness requires the evolution of the concept of just cause to take into account the contemporary circumstances of workers, who increasingly… Read More »Work and family conflict. The evolution of worklife disputes in grievance arbitration: A commentary on Professor Joan Williams’ preceding article
The article describes a 7-step plan for reducing the risk of threats and violence in the workplace
The author describes the dilemmas posed by potentially dangerous employees, and proposes measures that can be taken to address and remedy the dangers. Recommendations are… Read More »When arbitration is not the answer: Problem-solving approaches to today’s workplace: When neutrals confront cases of workplace violence.
A three-part approach is recommended as the best strategy to prevent violence: 1) pre-incident training, 2) stress-management interventions, and 3) employee victim debriefing. Warning signs… Read More »Violence in the workplace: Prevention strategies
A review of the anti-discrimination laws and their application by the Courts. Arbitrators are advised to educate themselves with the requirements of the statutes, and… Read More »Conflicts arising out of work force diversity
Professor Rentfro proffers that evolving societal values are reflected in the workplace: sexual harassment cases; drug and alcohol cases (and employee assistance programs); and a… Read More »Changing values in the workplace and arbitration
A review of litigation over random and “reasonable suspicion” drug testing. The scientific and technical issues in drug-testing arbitration disputes are explored.
The author, former International President of the UAW, proposes that the unions that are on the right course are those with leadership and membership that… Read More »Is the labor movement on the right course?
A discussion of whether, in assessing the appropriateness of discipline or discharge, arbitrators should take into account “distractions” (such as the employee’s marital, family, financial… Read More »Just cause and the troubled employee