A decision by an arbitrator to determine whether the merger agreement between the UTU and the Sheet Metal Workers International Association is an enforceable agreement is not expected before September.
The UTU and the SMWIA made presentations before arbitrator Michael H. Gottesman in early and mid-June. Briefs by both sides are to be delivered to Gottesman July 29.
Gottesman was named to arbitrate the dispute by AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka following a March 4 ruling of Federal District Court Judge John Bates.
Judge Bates, in his March 4 ruling, said a separate action by several UTU members challenging the validity of the merger is not within the arbitrator’s jurisdiction and he would delay a ruling on that complaint pending the outcome of the arbitration.
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