Court Opinion

ID: 9528159
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:37:50.271604+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:19:54.781351
License: Public Domain

McInturff, C.J.
(concurring)—In addition to the persuasive philosophy of the "Steelworkers' Trilogy"—that arbitration should be favored in an effort to settle the myriad labor-management problems associated with contract negotiations—the common law of the shop also deserves prominent consideration. The court in United Steelworkers v. Warrior & Gulf Navigation Co., 363 U.S. 574, 4 L. Ed. 2d 1409, 80 S. Ct. 1347 (1960), determined the common law of the shop was an aspect of the employment relationship covered by the collective bargaining agreement.
As stated by the majority, Mr. Scott, without the objection or apparent concern of management, had worn a beard a year prior to and during the collective bargaining process. It seems unfair to allegedly negotiate in good faith during an extended period of time, conclude an agreement and 30 days later enact grooming standards which preclude facial hair existing before and during collective bargaining.
At a minimum, the issue of specific grooming standards is obviously arguable. Therefore, broad application of arbitration clauses is required to "uphold the arbitrability of issues which are even arguably covered by the collective bargaining agreement." (Italics mine.) International Ass'n of Machinists v. Howmet Corp., 466 F.2d 1249, 1253 (9th Cir. 1972).