Arbitrator Gives OK to OU's Decision to Cut Jobs
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Posted: 8:02 AM Jan 9, 2009
Arbitrator Gives OK to OU's Decision to Cut Jobs
Ohio University reports an independent arbitrator has decided the school acted within its authority when it dismissed 21 bargaining unit workers last year, effectively ending a grievance procedure.
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ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Ohio University reports an independent arbitrator has decided the school acted within its authority when it dismissed 21 bargaining unit workers last year, effectively ending a grievance procedure.

The dispute between AFSCME Local 1699 and the university began in August 2007 after the university issued layoff notices to 16 custodial workers and five maintenance specialists.

The university cited budget pressures and the need to channel funds to meet strategic needs.

The bargaining unit claimed the university did not experience a lack of funds and therefore should not have laid off employees.

But OU says the ruling stated that the collective bargaining agreement gave the university exclusive right to manage matters relating to the university's overall budget.

The report acknowledged there must be a lack of funds before layoffs, but added the union does not have input in determining how funds are prioritized or allocated.

The report also noted the university has sufficiently demonstrated that it was faced with budget deficits every fiscal year from 2004 through 2008.

$310,000,000
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