Grievance Arbitration in the Public Sector

Abstract

This article examines differences between public and private sector grievance arbitration outcomes. The research question addressed in this study is whether or not differences in win, lose, or compromise outcomes exist between the public and private sector and if differences exist regarding discipline cases. Archival data were analyzed from a total of 1127 public and 2822 private arbitration cases for the period 1987 through 1993. Contingency analyses were conducted to test all hypotheses. Results indicate a higher winning percentage and fewer discharge cases in the public as compared to the private sector. Additionally, fewer public sector cases result in long suspensions. The results are discussed in terms of hypothesized public-private differences.