The National Academy of Arbitrators agreed to work with the groups in developing a list of arbitrators. There were about 600 people on the original list, which was whittled down to 60 names. Labor and management representatives each had an opportunity to strike names from the list, and some of the arbitrators on the original list didn t want to participate. Only arbitrators whose names are on the list can be used in the Excelleration process. The National Academy of Arbitrators list includes arbitrators who have at least five years of experience and who have made at least 50 arbitration awards, although most have made closer to 250 awards.
Most local unions can t handle that kind of expense very often.
A. Mediation may not lead to a resolution. With excellerated arbitration, there is quick closure. In 15 days, the parties will have an answer. It s up to the parties to decide if a case is appropriate for this type of accelerated arbitration process. Or, if the parties feel that an industry specialist is called for as an arbitrator, this is not the system to use.