State Panel of Illinois Labor Relations Board (ILRB) determined that Village committed unfair labor practices against firefighters union, finding that while Union was pursuing interest arbitration, Village improperly notified the Union that the parties' collective bargaining agreement (CBA) would be terminated. Section 7 of Illinois Public Labor Relations Act does not authorize an employer such as the Village to unilaterally terminate a CBA while interest arbitration with essential services employees is pending. Requiring Village to submit to interest arbitration before terminating its relationship with Union does not violate Illinois public policy favoring freedom to contract. Record supports ILRB's determination that Village sent termination notice, at least in part, because Union exercised its statutory right to interest arbitration. (COBBS and FITZGERALD SMITH, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Unions