Reuters Fights Guild's Demand for Arbitration
MANHATTAN (CN) - Reuters claims it does not have to arbitrate an employee dispute because its collective bargaining agreement with the Newspaper Guild of New York expired last year. In its federal complaint, the wire service claims it will suffer "irreparable harm" unless the court stays arbitration.
The Guild filed a demand for arbitration in December, claiming Reuters used "improper discipline," an offense that Reuters says was not covered under the expired contract.
Reuters says it disciplined an employee, Andrew D'Antonio, with a "final written warning" in July 2009 - 5 months after its collective bargaining agreement expired. It seeks an injunction and a stay of arbitration.
It is represented by Ana Salper with Epstein Becker & Green.