Court Opinion

ID: 5399745
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-08 10:34:53.199089+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:30:25.689475
License: Public Domain

Callahan, J.
(dissenting). In my opinion, it was improper to stay the arbitration in this ease.
There seems to be no merit to the contentions advanced for the first time on appeal that the union waived or abandoned its right to arbitration and was premature in its demand.
The arbitration was stayed on the sole ground that proceedings were pending before the National Labor Relations Board for an election and certification of a rival union as collective bargaining agent for the employees. The demand for arbitration in this case was made in accordance with the provisions of a contract having a term of three years. The dispute between the union and employer arose during the contract period. The fact that an application was made to the board as aforesaid within the three-year term of the contract does not mean that the board *83could or would interfere with matured contractual rights. It may be noted that the proceedings on such application are still pending and undecided by the board. While it may have the power to determine that a collective bargaining agreement covering a period of three years was improper in the industry and, therefore, not a bar to another election within such period, this does not mean that the board will attempt a retroactive invalidation of an existing contract. In any event, the said contract has now expired, and any action now taken by the board in the proceedings before it could not deprive the union of its right to arbitration.
The revocation of individual authorizations for deduction of dues is a matter for presentation to the arbitrator.
Accordingly, I vote to reverse the order appealed from and deny the motion for a stay of arbitration.
Dore, J. P., concurs with Botein, J., in opinion, in which Bergan, J., concurs; Callahan, J., dissents and votes to reverse and deny the motion in opinion, in which Bastow, J., concurs.
Order affirmed, with $20 costs and disbursements to the respondent.