Local 727’s Persistence Results in Arbitration Win for Trade Show Members, G.E.S. Ordered to Cease and Desist from Violating CBA

Teamsters Local 727 was recently awarded an arbitration win when Arbitrator Lisa Salkovitz Kohn determined that Global Exposition Services (G.E.S.) had violated the terms of the Trade Show Industry collective bargaining agreement for shows occurring on September 24, October 9, and October 12, 2009.

The arbitration initially stems from multiple grievances filed by Local 727 in 2009.  These grievances alleged that G.E.S. violated the Trade Show Industry CBA on September 24, October 9, and October 12, 2009, when it used supplemental employees to perform bargaining unit work before utilizing Trade Show Referral List employees.

“Local 727 will not tolerate such a blatant disregard for the collective bargaining agreement,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “G.E.S. cannot ignore the contract and make-up its own rules.  No trade show contractor is above the CBA.”

Despite finding that G.E.S.’s use of supplemental employees violated the terms of the Trade Show Industry CBA, Arbitrator Salkovitz Kohn limited the arbitration award to only three shows in 2009.  As such, the arbitrator seemingly disregarded contract violations by G.E.S. which occurred after the initial grievance was filed in 2009.

“The arbitrator’s decision to limit this award to just 3 dates is outrageous.  It is absurd to think that the Union could have predicted in 2009 every instance of G.E.S. violating the contract,” stated Coli.  “While we’re disappointed at the restrictions and length of time it took to reach this decision, Local 727 is pleased that justice ultimately prevailed.

The arbitration award also requires G.E.S. to cease and desist from using supplemental employees in violation of the Union contract.

“No matter how long or tough the fight,” added Coli, “this Union will always stand up for our members’ jobs.”

Members with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Mike DeGard at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].

Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law.  The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: TRADE SHOW