NCJ Number
101741
Journal
Labor Law Journal Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1986) Pages: 167-179
Date Published
1986
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews and analyzes the use of four dispute settlement procedures used to resolve bargaining impasses between the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).
Abstract
The four procedures are (1) written submission of briefs to the Federal Services Impasse Panel (FSIP), (2) FSIP factfinding hearing, (3) final offer arbitration, and (4) mediation followed by formal arbitration. Written submissions are the most frequently used method, but are useful only for less complicated disputes. FSIP can choose the type of dispute resolution procedure to use, but it often chooses the procedure desired by the parties. Factfinding hearings, final offer arbitration, and formal arbitration after mediation all involve similar hearings with similar types of evidence. Political influences can exist within negotiating teams. In addition, disputes over the negotiability of a matter directly affect efforts toward the resolution of an impasse. The experience of AFLC in impasse situations has shown that mediation followed by formal arbitration is the most effective way to deal with impasses involving many issues. However, it is expensive. Final offer arbitration has only limited usefulness. 15 footnotes.