Pursuant to a March 4 ruling of a federal district court judge, an arbitrator has been named to determine whether the merger agreement between the UTU and the Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) is an enforceable agreement.
Georgetown University law professor Michael H. Gottesman has been named by AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka as the arbitrator — a choice approved jointly by UTU International President Mike Futhey and SMWIA National President Mike Sullivan.
In his March 4 ruling, Federal Judge John Bates said a separate action brought by several UTU members, challenging the validity of the merger — alleging violations of Titles I and V or the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act — is not within the arbitrator’s jurisdiction and that he would delay a ruling on that complaint pending the outcome of the arbitration.
Arbitrator Gottesman earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago and his law degree from Yale University.
He teaches labor law, constitutional law and civil rights at Georgetown University.
Gottesman held an appointment from President Jimmy Carter to review hundreds of candidates for federal court vacancies, and has published numerous articles for law journals. His latest article, “The Role of Labor in the 21st Century,” will be published later this year by the Columbia University Law Review.
As matters develop, further information will be posted at www.utu.org.
Related News
- Honoring the Professional Drivers Who Keep Our Children Safe
- Report Transit Assaults to Help SMART-TD Fight Back
- Another RRB Office Moves to New Location
- Hunting accident claims life of Idaho member’s daughter
- Gardena City Council welcomes SMART-TD to represent GTrans Bus Operators
- NO On-Site Registration Available at Atlanta Regional Training Seminar
- WATCH: Amanda Snide Earns Award for her Passion
- Legal Internship Available for Students from Railroad Families
- HAPPENING TUESDAY: Join Railroaders from Across the Country for Houston Rail Labor Solidarity Rally!
- Amtrak Operating Unions Gather in Maryland