Amalgamated Transit Union v. Decamp Bus Lines, Inc.

# Court Rules in Favor of Bus Workers in Wrongful Termination Case **What Happened** Two workers at De Camp Bus Lines were fired and filed a complaint through their union, the Amalgamated Transit Union. They claimed the company wrongfully terminated them and broke their employment contract. The dispute went to arbitration, a process where a neutral person hears both sides and makes a binding decision. **What the Court Decided** A New Jersey appeals court upheld the arbitrator's decision supporting the workers. The company had to pay Torres and Thompson back pay (wages they lost) and reinstate them to their jobs. The court clarified that back pay is subject to normal taxes but that workers are entitled to interest on the money owed from the time of termination until payment. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling protects employees in unionized industries by confirming that arbitration decisions protecting workers will be enforced by courts. It shows that companies cannot simply ignore arbitration awards. The decision also confirms workers receive full compensation—including tax-adjusted back pay and interest—when wrongfully fired.