In March 2006, we received the first decision in an arbitration case. The case involved a request for termination pay at NYU. Our contract with NYU gives us the right to reappointment after six consecutive semesters of teaching in the same department; if the university does not rehire you, for reasons spelled out in Article X of the contract, you are entitled to receive termination pay equivalent to your last year's teaching pay.

In this case, NYU's administrators did not feel that one of our members, who had taught the required 6 consecutive semesters, met the criteria of "prior good performance." We provided documents and witnesses that showed that this member had, without question, a record of good teaching performance, far exceeding the expectation of "prior good performance."

The arbitrator found in our favor, and the member was awarded the full year's payment.

While the case sounds straightforward, it took almost two years to complete, from the time we filed the initial grievance to the day of the arbitrator's decision. The case took the time and effort of many people; our investment of time and funds in a case like this, which upholds one of the key elements of our contract, solidifies our rights in the future.

More cases are pending on the issue of termination pay; we will send an update when they are heard.

Written by Cate Fallon, ACT-UAW Recording Secretary.