Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

The reasons for the continued existence of grievance arbitration boards, despite widespread criticism of their use, is examined. Procedures used in grievance arbitration boards are also discussed. Interviews with parties using the system indicate that grievance arbitration boards will continue to be used because of tradition, distrust of neutrals, and inertia.

Arbitrators and academics interested in labor- management relations have been critical of the practice of using an arbitration board to resolve grievance disputes. Elkouri and Elkouri have described grievance arbitration boards as follows: