Arbitrator orders 17 full-time colleges which have obtained dismissals to be reinstated by the college – CBS Pittsburgh

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – In February, 17 full-time faculty members at Point Park University received non-renewal letters from the university.

Following an arbitration hearing, an arbitrator ruled Thursday, May 6th that Point Park must revoke the 17 dismissals, according to the Pittsburgh Newspaper Guild, TNG-CWA Local 38061, which represents the Point Park faculty.

The union publicly opposed the layoffs in early April, saying the layoffs would increase tensions among faculty members and reduce faculty at the university by nearly 20%.

CONTINUE READING: Point Park Faculty Union speaks out after layoffs

At the time, Point Park University management claimed the layoffs were necessary due to financial burdens from the coronavirus pandemic.

Court documents indicate that arbitration took place during the month of April and an arbitrator heard the mutual interpretation of the collective agreement that sets employment standards at the university and resolves disputes.

“The university will keep the 17 participating faculty members and reinstate them,” the arbitrator wrote in the decision.