I don't know anything about this particular case, but IF nk has no legal basis to withhold the check, then they can and should force it. They have a whole building in Herndon full of attorneys. No one with the right specialty? No problem, call over to Silver Springs and pay a couple bucks of dues money to get this fixed. If it costs more to fix than the final check, alpa should cut a check. Sounds like a good case for an alpa intern.