Asset Protection & Security Services, LP v. Service Employees International Union, Local 200

Court Rules in Favor of Fired Security Worker

What Happened

A security worker represented by the Service Employees International Union, Local 200, was fired by Asset Protection & Security Services, LP. The worker challenged the termination, claiming it was wrongful. The dispute went to arbitration—a private process where a neutral third party reviews the case instead of going to trial—based on the union contract that covered the worker.

What the Court Decided

New York's highest court sided with the worker and the arbitrator's decision. The court ordered that the worker be reinstated to their job and receive back pay for the time they were fired. The court confirmed that the arbitrator properly followed the rules in the collective bargaining agreement and didn't overreach their authority.

Why This Matters for Workers

This case reinforces that arbitration decisions made under union contracts deserve respect and protection from the courts. When workers have union representation and a contract requiring arbitration, courts will enforce those arbitration awards if they're properly made. This provides an important safeguard for unionized workers facing wrongful termination.