Stewards learn practical lessons for tough arbitrations

MAPE leaders and stewards learned some new ways to tackle arbitration issues at the Minneapolis Labor Law and Labor Arbitration Conference last month.

Top-tier national labor arbitrators taught the 10 courses ranging from contract interpretation to disparate treatment and a panel about recent cases regarding discipline and discharge.  MAPE Region 20 Director Kay Pedretti said she “finds it is helpful to read the real-life scenarios of past arbitrations and understand why the arbitrators voted in favor of the employer or the employee.” This is the fifth year Pedretti has attended the conference.

MAPE stewards and leaders are dedicated to representing their fellow members in arbitration. Pedretti is also a steward for Local 2001 and finds the conferences especially useful in this role. “It gives me insight into how arbitrators decide cases and helps inform me if we should move a denied grievance on to arbitration,” says Pedretti.  “As I hear how the arbitrators justify their vote, it also sometimes gives me ideas for strategies to incorporate in ongoing grievances.”