AFSCME Local 444 Plumbers WIN Arbitration!

On February 12th, 2020, Arbitrator, Joe Lindsay, released the opinion and decision regarding the grievance filed by AFSCME Local 444 contesting the denial of Water Distribution Plumber IIIs taking the ACMS civil service examination (#19-444-039).

The decision states: “The District violated the Civil Service Rules when it determined that none of the grievants met the minimum requirements for the ACMS opening in August 2019.”  The District is required to review and update the current job description for Water Distribution Plumber III based on current conditions.  Applicants for the ACMS examination must be credited for work out-of-class time and previous out-of-district experience that may qualify them for the position.

The arbitrator made many pertinent statements.  One that should be clearly pointed out, “the fact that the grievance was written by a tradesman, not an attorney, should be considered in interpreting the breadth of the grievance.”  To read the full grievance,  click here: Grievance #19-444-039.

We have a voice and it should and will be heard.  This is a victory for our Union and all involved.

In solidary, we stand strong.