Customer Reviews

How Arbitration Works: Elkouri & Elkouri

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There is no one book in the United States today about labor arbitration that comes close to the exhaustive work done by the Authors in this piece. While it is a bit weak on Public Sector arbitration, it makes up that weakness in its overwhelming research and tenacious review of the trends in arbitration in the public sector. Since most arbitration law derives from National Relations Board actions, my slight complaint is somewhat mitigated.

Some caution should be thrown to labor activists about this work: it is not a strategy book, but rather a book about the various awards and trends that have come out of many arbitration cases throughout the United States. It would be best if you knew what decisions are coming out of the area you live in, and try to keep up with (and sometimes try to buck) those trends. Also keep in mind that this is not a "labor only" book, but looks at both sides of an issue, and I've more than once have had management attempt to argue against my theory by using examples out of this book.

All in all, this is the essential work for labor arbitrations.

Generally considered to be the "bible" for those involved in labor-management arbitration procedures, this book is an invaluable reference in researching workplace disputes. There is ample reference to past arbitration awards, but what I have found to be of greater value is the viewpoints of different arbitrators to different issues, giving one an ability to get some insight into the thought processes that arbitrators use in determining the applicability of various contract provisions to the arbitration process.

As a union official, I have found that using this book while researching grievance issues has been a real time saver and, along with the use of other reference materials, has been valuable in determining whether or not to pursue grievances to the arbitration stage.

While the price is steep, it pales in comparison to the cost of going into an arbitration proceeding less than fully prepared.

This book is a requirement for any union activist. It provides a clear explanation of the complexities of arbitration in the labor management relations process. The book itself is dry reading. I strongly suggest reading sections of the book as questions arise. However, prior to developing any foundation for an arbitration case, I highly encourage the activist to review the book to develop a good case strategy.

We like this book so much, we issued it to every executive officer in our union.

Amazon is posting information about the 5th edition. There is a 6th edition (2003) out. Make sure you get the newest one, if that's what you want. No sure why Amazon is doing this: maybe the publisher hasn't sent them up-to-date information. Maybe by the time you read this, they'll have fixed it.

I manage the labor relations staff of a public employer. This book is on my desk and that of each member of my staff. My first question is commonly, "What does Elkouri say?" That said, it is only a place to start for any experienced practitioner. The editors try very hard, and usually successfully, to be balanced. However, that balance is limiting, and keeping to the Elkouri view severely limits your ability to explore the limits or to develop innovative case theories. You must have it, but you should not rely only on it.

if you present arbitration cases of if you are an arbitrator. This book is the bible for the arbitration process.