Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education v. Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties , 2014 Pa. Commw. LEXIS 408 ( 2014 )


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  •           IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Pennsylvania State System                :
    of Higher Education,                     :
    Petitioner            :
    :
    v.                          : No. 2242 C.D. 2013
    : Argued: June 16, 2014
    Association of Pennsylvania State        :
    College and University Faculties,        :
    Respondent             :
    BEFORE:      HONORABLE BONNIE BRIGANCE LEADBETTER, Judge
    HONORABLE ROBERT SIMPSON, Judge
    HONORABLE MARY HANNAH LEAVITT, Judge
    OPINION
    BY JUDGE LEAVITT                                          FILED: August 14, 2014
    The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Kutztown
    University, petitions for review of an arbitration award holding that the University
    violated a collective bargaining agreement by assigning librarians the duty of
    providing academic advice to students.       University asserts that the Arbitrator
    impermissibly relied on past practices, improperly inserted new terms into the
    collective bargaining agreement and disregarded its managerial rights. We affirm.
    University is one of 14 public universities operated by the
    Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (State System). The Association
    of Pennsylvania State College & University Facilities (Union) is the collective
    bargaining representative for all of the universities that comprise the State System.
    The State System has negotiated a series of collective bargaining agreements that
    span several decades, and each agreement covers all the public universities in the
    State System.
    University employs ten full-time librarians, who are treated as faculty
    under the relevant collective bargaining agreement for 2007-2011 (CBA). In 2010,
    University closed its academic advising center for financial reasons. In 2011,
    University sought to replace the function of the closed center by assigning 60
    students to each librarian for academic advising. It did so with the proviso that
    academic advising would fall within the librarian’s 35-hour work week set forth in
    the CBA. Union filed a grievance to challenge this assignment. At the hearing,
    the parties stipulated that the issue before the Arbitrator was whether University
    “violate[d] the [CBA] by assigning librarians to academic advising duties.”
    Reproduced Record at 5a (R.R. __).
    Ruth Perkins, a librarian and 15-year Union representative, testified.
    She explained that the CBA governed both teaching faculty and non-teaching
    faculty, such as librarians, at University. Article 23 of the CBA assigned duties to
    “administrative faculty” and to “academic faculty.” CBA, Article 23; R.R. 256a,
    259a. Academic faculty includes both “teaching faculty”1 and “library faculty,”2
    1
    Article 23.A.1.a-g of the CBA establishes the workload for the teaching faculty. Generally,
    teaching faculty members are not to exceed 24 workload hours per week. Also, no more than 3
    preparations per academic term are to be assigned. An additional preparation may be assigned if
    overload pay is provided. Further, teaching faculty members are to maintain a minimum of 5
    office hours per week on no fewer than 3 different days. Separate instructions for teaching
    graduate classes, supervising student interns, and supervising student teachers are provided.
    2
    Article 23.A.2.a-d of the CBA establishes the workload for the library faculty, as follows:
    a. Subject to the provisions hereof, all members of the professional library staff
    shall enjoy full FACULTY status with all the rights, privileges and
    responsibilities pertaining thereto.        For administrative purposes, the
    professional librarians shall constitute a department.
    (Footnote continued on the next page . . . )
    2
    and each have different “workload and workload equivalents.” R.R. 256a-59a.
    Because the teaching faculty must have office hours, their weekly workload must
    not exceed 24 hours, unless they are given “overload” pay. R.R. 256a. Librarians
    do not keep office hours, and they do not have the opportunity for overload pay.
    Likewise, teaching faculty have duties involving internships and the supervision of
    student teachers, which librarians do not share.
    Article 4 of the CBA addresses the duties of faculty members.3
    Article 4.A emphasizes that the “universal responsibility of the teaching
    (continued . . . )
    b. Library FACULTY in the performance of their duties shall be scheduled for
    no more than thirty-five (35) hours per week, and Library FACULTY also
    shall be expected, as are other FACULTY MEMBERS, to assume committee
    assignments and other campus responsibilities.
    c. A Library FACULTY MEMBER’S schedule shall be based on library needs
    as determined by the President or his/her designee in consultation with
    members of the Library FACULTY.
    d. [election of chairperson].
    CBA, Article 23.A.2.a-d; R.R. 258a-59a.
    3
    It provides:
    A. The concept of academic freedom must be accompanied by an equally
    demanding concept of academic responsibility.               The concern of the
    UNIVERSITIES and its members for academic freedom safeguards must extend
    equally to requiring responsible service, consistent with the objectives of the
    UNIVERSITIES. The universal responsibility of the teaching FACULTY
    MEMBER is effective teaching.
    B. A proper academic climate can be maintained only when members of the
    FACULTY meet their fundamental duties and responsibilities regularly. These
    duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: reporting promptly, and
    in advance if possible, any changes in class hours or classrooms assigned;
    preparing for and meeting their assignments, which would include timely
    notification of the proper authority and making a reasonable effort to insure that
    assignments can be covered in case of absences; making a reasonable effort to
    notify students of any changes in class hours or classrooms assigned; keeping
    current in their academic disciplines through continuing scholarly activity;
    (Footnote continued on the next page . . . )
    3
    FACULTY MEMBER is effective teaching.”                     CBA, Article 4.A; R.R. 188a.
    Article 4.B then lists the specific duties of the teaching faculty, such as making
    classroom assignments; keeping office hours; and “advising students.”                        CBA,
    Article 4.B; R.R. 188a.
    Perkins explained that Article 16 of the CBA4 requires written job
    descriptions for those faculty members, such as librarians, who have
    responsibilities that lie outside of the classroom and for faculty members with
    mixed workloads. These written job descriptions are used to evaluate these faculty
    (continued . . . )
    keeping office hours in accordance with Article 23 WORKLOAD AND
    WORKLOAD EQUIVALENTS, and conferring with and advising students and
    advisees; evaluating fairly and reporting promptly student achievement; rendering
    service to the University which would include participating in group deliberations
    which contribute to the growth and development of the students and the
    UNIVERSITIES; and reporting promptly, and in advance if possible, absence
    from any assigned duty in accordance with the provisions of Article 17, SICK
    LEAVE….
    CBA, Article 4.A-B; R.R. 188a (emphasis added).
    4
    Article 16 is entitled “PROMOTIONS.” It provides in relevant part:
    A. Qualifications and Categories for Evaluation
    1. The minimum qualifications for ranks shall be as specified in
    the applicable laws.
    2. In addition to the required minimum qualifications, categories
    for FACULTY promotions shall include, but not be limited to, the
    categories identified in Article 12, Section B., PERFORMANCE
    REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF FACULTY.
    3. Effective July 1, 2000, each University shall provide written
    job descriptions for all FACULTY MEMBERS whose basic
    responsibilities lie outside the classroom and for the nonclassroom
    responsibilities of FACULTY MEMBERS with mixed workloads.
    This official job description shall be the basis of the evaluation of
    these FACULTY MEMBERS in lieu of effective teaching….
    CBA, Article 16.A.1-3; R.R. 220a.
    4
    members “in lieu of effective teaching,” the evaluation criterion for teaching
    faculty. CBA, Article 16; R.R. 220a. In this way, Article 16 highlights that
    librarians do not perform the “effective teaching” duties set forth in Articles 4 and
    23 of the CBA.
    Perkins stated that Article 23 of the CBA limits librarians to a 35-hour
    work week and directs that a librarian’s schedule shall be based on “library needs.”
    Perkins maintained that a “library need” cannot be construed to include advising
    students on their academics.
    In all the years Perkins worked at the library, no librarian had ever
    been assigned academic advising duties. When Perkins began employment at
    University, she went through an orientation for new faculty members. Perkins
    signed up for the orientation session on how to advise students, and she was not
    allowed to attend. She was informed that as a librarian, she could not provide
    academic advice to students.
    In 2001, University asked for volunteers to teach a studies class.
    Perkins volunteered and taught the class. In every other studies class, the teacher
    was also the advisor to the students. Perkins was not permitted to be an advisor to
    the students in her class; rather, a teaching faculty member was assigned that
    position. Again, Perkins was advised that librarians could not advise.
    On April 8, 2011, the librarians received notice from the University’s
    Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and the Dean of Library Services that,
    beginning in the Fall 2011 semester, they would advise all incoming freshman
    students who had not declared a major.          Accordingly, University assigned
    approximately 60 students to each librarian for that semester, for which it provided
    training. In addition, University revised the librarians’ job descriptions to include
    5
    student advising. Perkins explained that her job description from 2002 to 2011 had
    listed library duties and never mentioned academic advising.                          The 2012 job
    description listed the same library duties as prior years but added the new duty of
    providing academic advice to students without a declared major.
    Perkins testified that the librarians protested this assignment to Dr.
    Carlos Vargas, Provost and Vice-President for Academic Student Affairs. He
    conceded that these assignments might adversely affect the level of library
    services. However, he explained that the administration was willing to accept a
    reduction in library services as a trade-off for ensuring that students would receive
    assistance they needed in course and major selection. The librarians asked for
    additional staff or clerical support, but none was provided.5 Perkins also noted that
    at one point the library had 13 full-time librarians, but by 2010 that number had
    been reduced to ten.
    Perkins was critical of the training provided by University.                The
    training materials were dense with information that the librarians were expected to
    learn on their own. Because the students were unsure of their major, course
    selection could not be based on a particular field of study. Reviewing a student
    file, preparing for an interview and documenting everything done took
    approximately one hour per student; e-mails and phone calls added another half-
    hour per student. Perkins testified that advising students has adversely impacted
    library services.
    Vera Brancato, a professor emeritus at University, testified for Union.
    Prior to retirement, she had been the Chair of Academic Advising and Director of
    5
    In additional to the 10 librarians, the library has 10 support staff personnel.
    6
    the Advising Center. She stated that giving academic advice to students without a
    declared major is challenging. The process begins by helping students develop
    awareness of their strengths, their interests, their value system and their
    weaknesses. Only then can the advisor provide relevant advice on which courses
    at University will fit the student’s interests and needs. Dr. Brancato worked at
    University for 27 years; never did librarians advise students. She opined that
    academic advising falls outside the competence of a librarian. National standards
    provide that an academic advisor must be competent and have broad knowledge in
    occupational and professional requirements, the college curriculum requirements
    and what courses are necessary to a particular major. Librarians do not have this
    scope of knowledge.
    Stephanie Steely, the University’s Coordinator of Technical Services
    and Collection Development, also testified. When the issue of academic advising
    arose in 2010, she surveyed the other 13 universities in the State System. She
    found that no other university required librarians to advise students, although some
    universities permitted it on a voluntary basis.            At Millersville, each librarian
    advised six or seven students a semester on a voluntary basis.6
    Dr. Vargas was the sole witness for University. He testified that the
    idea of assigning librarians to do academic advising first arose in 2008 at the
    suggestion of Ted Hickman, a librarian and Union representative. In 2010, it was
    again raised, and a number of librarians expressed support for the idea of advising
    students because it would increase the visibility and the role of librarians on
    campus. When the academic advising center closed in 2010, the librarians were
    6
    Karen Wanamaker, the outreach librarian, testified regarding the many duties involved in
    operating the library. She contended that it was difficult to fit advising in with these duties.
    7
    assigned academic advising. Regarding the impact of this new assignment, Vargas
    felt that the librarians could best decide what library functions could be reduced to
    make time for advising students. He added that no librarian was ever scheduled to
    do advising work outside of the 35-hour work week.
    Arbitration Award
    The Arbitrator considered the long history of contract negotiation and
    application. Never had either party considered the CBA to authorize a university
    in the State System to assign librarians to academic advising. None of the other
    State System universities had ever assigned librarians the job of offering academic
    advice.   The Arbitrator concluded that such history may fairly be viewed as
    evidence of the parties’ understanding of the CBA.
    However, the Arbitrator went on to examine the CBA to see if it gave
    a right to management to assign librarians the duty of providing students academic
    advice. He found none. The Arbitrator explained that Article 4.A of the CBA
    stresses that the universal responsibility of the teaching faculty is “effective
    teaching,” and it makes one of the components of “effective teaching” to be
    “conferring with and advising students and advisees.” CBA, Article 4.A-B; R.R.
    188a. The Arbitrator concluded that Article 4.B established that advising students
    is a contractual duty of the teaching faculty.
    The Arbitrator rejected University’s argument that Article 12.B of the
    CBA, which addresses the quality of student advising, applies to all faculty
    members.     Article 12.B.1 is entitled “Effective teaching and fulfillment of
    professional responsibilities.” The Arbitrator found the title itself established that
    Article 12.B was directed to the teaching faculty not the library faculty.
    8
    Article 23.A.2.c states that the schedule of a librarian “shall be based
    on library needs as determined by the President or his/her designee in consultation
    with members of the Library FACULTY.” CBA, Article 23.A.2.c; R.R. 258a.
    University argued that it was a management prerogative to determine library needs,
    and it determined that a “library need” included advising students. The Arbitrator
    rejected this construction because the “need” arose when University closed the
    academic advising center, not the library. Even if management has the prerogative
    to determine library needs, this new assignment to librarians actually subverted the
    needs of the library, as acknowledged by University’s witness, Dr. Vargas.
    Based on these findings, the Arbitrator concluded that University
    violated the CBA by assigning librarians the job of providing academic advice and
    directed University to cease and desist from making these assignments.             The
    Arbitrator declined to award a monetary remedy, finding that University did not
    direct the librarians to work beyond the contract 35-hour per week maximum and,
    further, there was no evidence that any librarian did so.
    Appeal
    University then petitioned for this Court’s review.          On appeal,
    University argues (1) that the Arbitrator’s award was unfaithful to the CBA
    because it relied on past practices as justification to disregard the managerial rights
    clause reserved in Article 10 of the CBA; (2) that the Arbitrator improperly
    inserted new and additional terms into the CBA as justification to disregard
    managerial rights; and (3) that the Arbitrator’s award violated a well-defined,
    dominant public policy of the Commonwealth.
    9
    Our scope and standard of review of an arbitrator’s award is narrow
    and deferential. When reviewing an arbitrator’s interpretation of a CBA, the
    proper scope of review is the deferential essence test:
    The essence test is a two prong test under which an award
    should be upheld if (1) the issue as properly defined is within
    the terms of the [CBA] and (2) the arbitrator’s award can be
    rationally derived from the [CBA].
    Coatesville    Area     School     District    v.   Coatesville    Area     Teachers’
    Association/Pennsylvania State Education Association, 
    978 A.2d 413
    , 415 n.2 (Pa.
    Cmwlth. 2009). In short, we do not review an arbitrator’s findings of fact on
    appeal, “and as long as he has arguably construed or applied the [CBA], an
    appellate court may not second-guess his findings of fact or interpretation.” 
    Id. We may
    only vacate an award if “it is indisputably without foundation or fails to
    logically flow from the agreement.” 
    Id. Analysis In
    its first issue, University argues that the Arbitrator’s award is
    unfaithful to the CBA because it relies on past practices as justification to disregard
    the managerial rights reserved to University in Article 10 of the CBA. University
    argues that this clause of the CBA gives it the authority to assign advising duties to
    the librarians. Article 10.A-C of the CBA sets forth the management rights clause:
    A. The STATE SYSTEM/UNIVERSITIES, at their sound
    discretion, possess the right, in accordance with applicable
    laws, to manage all operations including the direction of
    FACULTY and the right to plan, direct and control the
    operation of all facilities and property of the STATE SYSTEM,
    except as modified by this Agreement.
    B. As provided by Act 195 (Section 702), matters of inherent
    managerial policy are reserved exclusively to the STATE
    SYSTEM/UNIVERSITIES. These “include but shall not be
    10
    limited to such areas of discretion or policy as the functions and
    programs of the public employer (STATE SYSTEM/
    UNIVERSITIES), standards of services, its overall budget,
    utilization of technology, the organizational structure and
    selection and direction of personnel.”
    C. The listing of specific rights in this Article is not intended to
    be or should not be considered restrictive or a waiver of any of
    the rights of management not listed and not specifically
    surrendered herein, whether or not such rights have been
    exercised by the STATE SYSTEM/UNIVERSITIES in the
    past.
    CBA, Article 10.A-C; R.R. 202a. University notes that Article 10 of the CBA
    incorporates Section 702 of the Public Employe Relations Act (PERA), 43 P.S.
    §1101.702,7 which relieves public employers of the duty “to bargain over matters
    of inherent managerial policy.” Thus, it argues that the PERA and the CBA gave
    University the discretion to assign additional duties to its employees, including
    librarians. Further, it argues that “past practices” are not binding on a public
    employer unless that practice is subject to mandatory bargaining. University Brief
    at 29.
    Union counters that University is not obligated to bargain over issues
    of inherent managerial prerogative, but if it chooses to do so, it is bound by the
    7
    Act of July 23, 1970, P.L. 563, as amended, 43 P.S. §1101.702. It provides:
    Public employers shall not be required to bargain over matters of inherent
    managerial policy, which shall include but shall not be limited to such areas of
    discretion or policy as the functions and programs of the public employer,
    standards of services, its overall budget, utilization of technology, the
    organizational structure and selection and direction of personnel. Public
    employers, however, shall be required to meet and discuss on policy matters
    affecting wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment as well as the
    impact thereon upon request by public employe representatives.
    43 P.S. §1101.702 (emphasis added).
    11
    terms of the CBA. Here, University has limited its managerial prerogatives and is
    bound by the CBA, which separates the work duties of teaching faculty and
    librarians. Specifically, the workload of teaching faculty is set forth separately
    from that of librarians. See CBA, Article 23.A.1-2; R.R. 256a-59a. Article 4 of
    the CBA delineates the requirements of “effective teaching” to include advising
    students. CBA, Article 4; R.R. 188a. In short, the University has bound itself to
    make the assignment of academic advising solely to teaching faculty.
    This Court has explained that the PERA does not obligate a public
    employer to negotiate matters of “inherent managerial policy.”                   Pennsylvania
    Turnpike Commission v. Teamsters Local Union No. 77, 
    87 A.3d 904
    , 910 (Pa.
    Cmwlth. 2014).        However, “if [a public employer] chooses to do so, absent
    contrary positive legislation, it is bound by the terms of a [CBA].” 
    Id. (quoting Coatesville
    Area School 
    District, 978 A.2d at 417
    ). The Arbitrator determined that
    the CBA limited University from assigning the task of advising students to any of
    its employees other than teaching faculty.
    The Arbitrator’s award must be upheld if it is rationally derived from
    the CBA. The Arbitrator analyzed the CBA in its entirety. University’s past
    practices argument misses the point.8 The Arbitrator based his decision on the
    8
    Evidence of a past practice cannot be used if it conflicts with the current language of the CBA.
    Department of Corrections v. Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, 
    38 A.3d 975
    (Pa. Cmwlth. 2011). However, an arbitrator may use evidence of past practice as follows:
    (1) to clarify ambiguous language; (2) to implement contract language which
    sets forth only a general rule; (3) to modify or amend apparently unambiguous
    language which has arguably been waived by the parties; and (4) to create or
    prove a separate, enforceable condition of employment which cannot be derived
    from the express language of the agreement.
    
    Id. at 981
    (quoting County of Allegheny v. Allegheny County Prison Employees Independent
    Union, 
    381 A.2d 849
    , 852 (Pa. 1977)). Contrary to University’s claim that use of past practices
    (Footnote continued on the next page . . . )
    12
    language of the CBA, and his discussion of past practices simply confirmed his
    construction of the CBA.
    In its second issue, University argues that the Arbitrator’s award fails
    the essence test because he did not confine his decision to the plain language of the
    CBA and instead inserted new terms into it. University argues that the Arbitrator
    rewrote Article 4 of the CBA, which describes the job duties of “faculty” by
    inserting the word “teaching” before the word “faculty.” Union counters that the
    Arbitrator did not add words to the CBA; he interpreted it. Article 4.A states that
    the universal responsibility of the teaching faculty members “is effective
    teaching.” CBA, Article 4.A; R.R. 188a. Article 4.B then addresses the duty of
    “[a]dvising students.” CBA, Article 4.B; R.R. 188a. Article 4.B must be read
    together with Article 4.A, which relates only to “teaching faculty members.”
    CBA, Article 4.A-B; R.R. 188a. Further, the duty of advising students appears in a
    list of duties to report changes in class hours; office hours; and evaluation of
    student achievement. These duties can only apply to teaching faculty. Further, the
    instruction to confer with and advise students is a function of the requirement to
    “keep office hours.” Since library faculty members are not required under the
    CBA to maintain office hours, it cannot apply to them. We agree with Union.
    (continued . . . )
    is impermissible, “reliance upon past practice in the face of an ambiguous contract provision is
    not only permissible, but is an important tool through which an arbitrator may discover the intent
    of the parties.” Danville Area School District v. Danville Area Education Association,
    PSEA/NEA, 
    754 A.2d 1255
    , 1262 (Pa. 2000). In arguing against the use of “past practices,”
    University cites to several decisions of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. As noted by
    Union, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board does not interpret CBAs. Instead, it determines
    matters relating to violations of the PERA. Thus, the cases cited by University are irrelevant to
    the review of an arbitration award, which is governed by the essence test.
    13
    Notably, the Arbitrator’s interpretation of Article 4 is bolstered by
    Article 12.B of the CBA, which states as follows:
    B. Categories for Performance Review and Evaluation
    The following categories shall serve as the uniform system-
    wide basis for the evaluation of FACULTY MEMBERS at each
    University. The categories listed below shall be applied in the
    performance review and evaluation of temporary faculty,
    regular part-time faculty, probationary non-tenured faculty,
    tenured faculty and all applications for promotion. Under each
    category are listed some examples of data upon which
    judgments can be made of the FACULTY MEMBER’S
    performance relative to a given category. When evaluating the
    data, the appropriate evaluator(s) shall give greater weight to
    the quality of the performance reflected in the data, than to the
    quantity of the data.
    1. Effective teaching and           fulfillment   of
    professional responsibilities.
    a. This will be indicated, when
    applicable, by such items as:
    student evaluations, peer evaluations,
    quality      of   syllabi,     classroom
    visitations,    quality    of     student
    advisement, willingness to accept
    departmental      work     assignments,
    timely       execution      of      work
    assignments, and any other data
    deemed appropriate and agreed to by
    the FACULTY and Administration at
    local meet and discuss.
    ***
    c. For all FACULTY MEMBERS
    whose basic responsibilities lie
    outside the classroom, the duties and
    responsibilities of the position shall
    be the category instead of effective
    teaching.
    14
    CBA, Article 12.B.1; R.R. 206a (emphasis added). As does Article 4, Article
    12.B.1.a relates “student advisement” to “effective teaching” and is included with a
    list of duties that do not apply to librarians. Librarians represent the group of
    faculty members “whose basic responsibilities lie outside the classroom.” CBA,
    Article 12.B.1.c; R.R. 206a.
    An arbitrator’s award must be sustained “if it is based on anything that
    can be gleaned as the ‘essence’ of the [CBA].” American Federation of State,
    County & Municipal Employees, District Council 84, AFL-CIO v. City of Beaver
    Falls, 
    459 A.2d 863
    , 865 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983). An arbitrator cannot change the
    language of the CBA or add new provisions. 
    Id. University’s argument
    that the
    Arbitrator did so here does not withstand close scrutiny. The Arbitrator cited a
    number of provisions in the CBA and offered a reasonable construction of them. It
    is not necessary that this Court agree with an arbitrator’s interpretation of a CBA
    for it to be sustained. Coatesville Area School 
    District, 978 A.2d at 415
    n.2.
    Simply, University has not met its burden of proving the award does not draw its
    essence from the CBA.
    In its third issue, University argues that the Arbitrator’s award violates
    a well-defined, dominant public policy of the Commonwealth that public
    employers should have discretion over matters of inherent managerial policy, as
    codified in Section 702 of the PERA, 43 P.S. §1101.702. University’s direction to
    the librarians to advise students is a discretionary managerial right. Therefore, the
    Arbitrator’s award violates the public policy exception to the essence test.
    To establish the public policy exception to the essence test it must be
    shown that the public policy is “well-defined, dominant and ascertained by
    reference to the laws and legal precedents and not from general considerations of
    15
    supposed public interests.” Westmoreland Intermediate Unit #7 v. Westmoreland
    Intermediate Unit # 7 Classroom Assistants Educational Support Personnel
    Association, PSEA/NEA, 
    939 A.2d 855
    , 866 (Pa. 2007). Further, an arbitrator’s
    award will violate public policy if it “poses an unacceptable risk that it will
    undermine the implicated policy and cause the public employer to breach its lawful
    obligations or public duty, given the particular circumstances at hand and the
    factual findings of the arbitrator.” City of Bradford v. Teamsters Local Union No.
    110, 
    25 A.3d 408
    , 414 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2011).9
    As stated above, a public employer is not statutorily required to
    negotiate matters of inherent managerial rights.                    Pennsylvania Turnpike
    
    Commission, 87 A.3d at 910
    . However, “if it chooses to do so, absent contrary
    positive legislation, it is bound by the terms of a [CBA].”                  
    Id. Herein, the
    Arbitrator determined that the CBA directed that the teaching faculty was given the
    task of advising students. Therefore, the task could not be given to the librarians.
    University does not claim that there is any “contrary positive legislation” that
    would prohibit this action. Therefore, the public policy exception has not been
    established and University is bound by the terms of the CBA.
    Conclusion
    We affirm the Arbitrator’s award because it is rationally derived from
    the CBA, flows from the essence of the CBA and does not violate public policy.
    ______________________________
    MARY HANNAH LEAVITT, Judge
    9
    Whether the award violates public policy is a question of law; our standard of review is de novo
    and the scope of review is plenary. Pennsylvania Turnpike 
    Commission, 87 A.3d at 911
    .
    16
    IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Pennsylvania State System             :
    of Higher Education,                  :
    Petitioner         :
    :
    v.                        : No. 2242 C.D. 2013
    :
    Association of Pennsylvania State     :
    College and University Faculties,     :
    Respondent          :
    ORDER
    AND NOW, this 14th day of August, 2014, the arbitrator’s award
    dated November 15, 2013, is AFFIRMED.
    ______________________________
    MARY HANNAH LEAVITT, Judge
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 2242 C.D. 2013

Citation Numbers: 98 A.3d 5, 309 Educ. L. Rep. 430, 2014 WL 3953178, 2014 Pa. Commw. LEXIS 408

Judges: Leadbetter, Simpson, Leavitt

Filed Date: 8/14/2014

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 10/26/2024