Labor Arbitration is a vitally important method of resolving labormanagement

disputes. It enjoys a long and rich history and in many

respects has served as the benchmark in establishing standards for all

forms of arbitration to ensure that fundamental due process and

fairness are paramount concerns to arbitrators and advocates alike.

 

 

Labor Arbitration also has its own terminology, and for those who

are new to the process, some of its terms may not be familiar or

immediately understood. The following Glossary is intended to list

many of the most common terms in the unique and important field of

labor arbitration.

 

 

Ad Hoc Arbitrator. This term is used in labor arbitration to

distinguish an arbitrator jointly selected by the parties to hear a case

from a permanent arbitrator appointed by the union and employer to

hear many cases. Some employers and unions believe that decisions

are more likely to be fair and equitable when the arbitrator is chosen

on a case-by-case basis. This gives the parties more freedom of choice

than a permanent board.

 

 

Adjournment of Hearing. A postponement or suspension of a

hearing until a later time. See Postponement.

 

 

Administrative Agency. An impartial government agency or private

organization maintaining panels of labor arbitrators and various

administrative services. The AAA is the oldest and largest private

agency in the United States administering arbitrations. The Federal

Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) and various state and

local government agencies also provide lists of arbitrators. See
American Arbitration Association and Arbitration Administrator.