In re the Arbitration between Livingston County & Civil Service Employees Ass'n

**Union Failed to Follow Notice Rules in Dispute with County** The Civil Service Employees Association (a union) had a workplace dispute with Livingston County and wanted to take the issue to arbitration - a process where a neutral third party resolves disagreements. However, the union's collective bargaining agreement (their contract with the employer) required them to give the county 15 working days' notice before starting arbitration. The union failed to provide this required notice and tried to proceed with arbitration anyway. When a lower court initially allowed the arbitration to move forward, Livingston County appealed that decision. The appellate court sided with the county, ruling that the union must follow the notice requirement in their contract. Since the union didn't give proper notice, they couldn't proceed with arbitration until they did. **What This Means for Workers:** This case shows how important it is for unions and workers to carefully follow all procedural requirements in their contracts, even when they seem like minor technicalities. Missing deadlines or skipping required steps can delay or prevent workers from getting their disputes resolved. Workers should make sure their union representatives understand and follow all contract requirements when filing grievances or pursuing arbitration.