Opinion ID: 1685334
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The DeHoet Arbitration.

Text: In this companion case, DeHoet was employed as a residential treatment worker at WRC. In February 1999 WRC requested a criminal-record-check evaluation on DeHoet. The report concluded he had been convicted of simple assault (against his wife) and also had a then-pending domestic abuse assault (against his then-girlfriend). Upon receipt of this information, DeHoet was given an opportunity to explain the incidents and his subsequent efforts to change his behavior. In evaluating the factors delineated in section 218.13, DHS determined DeHoet should be terminated because of the assaultive nature of the crimes, the pattern of assault against two different victims, the recent reoffense, and the risk of such behavior toward the residents of WRC. DeHoet filed an administrative appeal and participated in a contested-case hearing. The administrative law judge affirmed the termination, and his decision was adopted by the department director. DeHoet filed a petition for judicial review. He also filed a grievance with AFSCME, which resulted in an arbitration hearing. The arbitrator issued a decision on February 4, 2000, finding DHS did not have just cause to terminate DeHoet and ordered DHS to reinstate him, subject to specified conditions. On February 22, 2000, AFSCME filed a petition to enforce the arbitrator's award, and DHS filed a motion to vacate the award. The district court first affirmed the employee's termination on the petition for judicial review under Iowa Code chapter 17A. It then denied AFSCME's petition to enforce the award and granted DHS's petition to vacate the award. AFSCME filed a notice of appeal. Other facts that guide us in deciding this appeal will be discussed in connection with our consideration of the legal issues presented.