If your case is weak, but the members know the boss acted unjustly or unfairly, an organizational response may be far more appropriate than taking the case to arbitration. It can be a lot more effective than arbitration. Top of Page Information for Workers Contents Hiring a Lawyer is Costly And Not Necessary Arbitration cases are conducted more informally than a court case. Arbitration is much more like an appeal-level grievance meeting, only with a judge. If the local can deal positively with the points outlined in this article, the case has a good chance to be a winner and any steward or local officer, with a little practice, can do a good job of presenting the union s case.
Arbitrators are generally only interested in gathering the facts of the case.
Most are not interested in the legal maneuvering done by lawyers. The UE legal department is available to the staff and local leadership for advice and help when needed. The arbitrator s daily fee is shared equally between the company and the union. The parties are also responsible for paying the arbitrator s expenses involved in hearing the case, researching the issue and writing the final decision. Expenses include travel costs, meals, lodging, copies, postage, and so on.