Originally Posted by
Scoop
No, it not any type of arbitration - it is mediation, which is basically meaningless. It can certainly slow things down, but nothing can be forced upon us.
I think a lot of guys are confusing the two. Here is a primer:
ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION
Arbitration and mediation are parts of the labor relations process. Arbitration is the procedure by which parties agree to submit their disputes to an independent neutral third party, known as an arbitrator. Although there are several types of arbitration, labor arbitration is the dispute resolution procedure used in labor relations. Mediation also involves the active participation of a neutral third party whose role is to facilitate the dispute resolution process and to suggest solutions to resolve disputes. The term conciliation is often used interchangeably with mediation, but conciliation generally refers to the third party who brings the disputing parties together. While the mediator suggests possible solutions to the disputing parties, the arbitrator makes a final decision on the labor dispute which is binding on the parties.
Scoop
Good post. People mistakenly use arbitration in place of mediation. In section 6 negotiations the next step is mediation, and then after that you go into cooling off, release for strike etc (theoretically).
Arbitration is almost never part of the process unless its something else like a grievance over a contractual provision or a termination. The arbitrator clarifies contract language or makes the final determination on a termination case that did not get resolved at system board of adjustment.