Expert: Timmy Chou - 4/28/2009

Question
i got wrongfully fired from my job in jan 8,08..it took my union til aug.08 to tell me my date for arbitration.7months!my arbitration date was feb 19 of 09...i had my arbitration case!everything went great,so now im waiting on my decision,if i return to work,,,i an so piss,my union told me 6months,,,please get back to me asap

Answer
Thank you for your question!

As I always note to questioners, mediators act as neutral third parties to disputes and never "get involved" in judging the merits of conflict, but merely use special techniques to help the parties decide how to negotiate their own settlement.

I am not a lawyer and cannot give you legal advice and my initial recommendation is to seek some legal advice.  Usually your state's legal aid office or the Bar Association in your area will provide consultation access to lawyers for free.

CBAs and particular arbitration and HR rules vary greatly from situation to situation.  There are not uniform rules about reinstatements or other timetables that I am aware of in arbitration generally.  Only your Union rep is in a position to tell you what the CBA requires and whether any party is not in compliance, and whether the time periods you object to are appropriate or not.

These are some ideas.  Let me know if you have a specific question I can address.

GOOD LUCK!