Union and City were unable to agree on extent to which City would continue to pay retiring Union members for their unused sick leave; parties referred issue to mandatory arbitration. Arbitrator then entered written order adopting City's final proposal. Court entered written order granting City's motion for summary judgment, upon Union petitioning for review of arbitrator's decision.Arbitrator had duty to consider interests and welfare of public and financial ability of City to meet costs, which include City's pension obligations. Section 14(h) of Illinois Public Relations Act required arbitrator to consider pension funding as part of City's broader financial landscape. Section 14(k) of Act allows an award of interest only if court has found a party's appeal frivolous; it does not allow award of interest to losing party on appeal. (KNECHT and HOLDER WHITE, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Arbitration