Understanding Labor Contract Interpretation: The Arbitrator's Toolbox

Understanding Labor Contract Interpretation: The Arbitrator's Toolbox

When a labor dispute reaches arbitration, the arbitrator's primary mission is to uncover what the union and management actually intended when they agreed to specific contract language. This fundamental principle—discovering the parties' mutual intent—guides every aspect of contract interpretation in labor arbitrations.

Read More

DUIs on Golf Carts in Ohio: Yes, It's a Real Thing

DUIs on Golf Carts in Ohio: Yes, It's a Real Thing

Summer in Ohio means trips to Put-in-Bay, Kelley's Island, campgrounds, and golf courses. For many, these outings include renting golf carts and enjoying alcoholic beverages. What most people don't realize is that operating a golf cart while impaired can result in the same serious OVI/DUI charges as driving a car.

Read More

License Requirements and Ohio Unemployment Benefits: A Deep Dive into the Williams Case

License Requirements and Ohio Unemployment Benefits: A Deep Dive into the Williams Case

If you've been terminated from your job due to licensing issues, understanding how Ohio handles these cases in the unemployment system can make a significant difference in your financial security. Ohio's approach to licensing-related terminations has been shaped by several pivotal court decisions, most notably the Ohio Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Williams v. Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.

Read More

Navigating the Minefield: Management Rights and Zipper Clauses in Ohio Labor Law

Navigating the Minefield: Management Rights and Zipper Clauses in Ohio Labor Law

Recent Ohio case law has significantly clarified how courts interpret management rights provisions and zipper clauses in collective bargaining agreements. Two key decisions from the Eighth District Court of Appeals in 2024 provide important guidance for unions challenging unilateral employer actions.

Read More

Marked Lanes Violations in Ohio: Understanding Your Rights During Traffic Stops

Marked Lanes Violations in Ohio: Understanding Your Rights During Traffic Stops

Many DUI cases in Ohio begin with a traffic stop for a "marked lanes violation." These stops often serve as the initial contact point that leads to further investigation for impaired driving. Understanding what actually constitutes a marked lanes violation can be crucial if you're facing charges that stemmed from such a stop.

Read More

Personal Internet and Computer Use: How It Affects Your Ohio Unemployment Benefits

Personal Internet and Computer Use: How It Affects Your Ohio Unemployment Benefits

In today's digital workplace, the line between professional and personal computer use can often blur. Many Ohio workers find themselves wondering: "Can I be denied unemployment benefits if I was fired for using the internet or company computers for personal reasons?" The answer, like many aspects of unemployment law, depends on several important factors.

Read More

Contract Language in Labor Disputes: How Arbitrators Interpret Your Union Agreement

Contract Language in Labor Disputes: How Arbitrators Interpret Your Union Agreement

When your union and management disagree about what contract language means, an arbitrator often becomes the final decision-maker. Understanding how these neutrals approach contract interpretation can help you evaluate potential grievances and strengthen your workplace advocacy. This guide explores the dominant approaches to contract interpretation in labor arbitration.

Read More

Understanding "Obstructing Official Business" Charges in Ohio

Understanding "Obstructing Official Business" Charges in Ohio

Many Ohioans are unfamiliar with what legally constitutes "obstructing official business" until they're faced with such a charge. This offense, while seemingly straightforward, contains several specific legal elements that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding these elements can be crucial for anyone facing such charges.

Read More

Insubordination and Ohio Unemployment Benefits: Understanding Your Rights

Insubordination and Ohio Unemployment Benefits: Understanding Your Rights

When you lose your job, navigating Ohio's unemployment system becomes a priority. One common reason employers cite for denying unemployment benefits is "insubordination." But what exactly counts as insubordination under Ohio unemployment law, and when might you still qualify for benefits despite being terminated for allegedly not following instructions?

Read More

Understanding Your Union's Bargaining Rights: A Practical Guide for Ohio Workers

Understanding Your Union's Bargaining Rights: A Practical Guide for Ohio Workers

The cornerstone of effective union representation lies in the collective bargaining process—a fundamental right protected by both federal labor law and Ohio state law. For Ohio public employees in particular, Chapter 4117 of the Ohio Revised Code establishes specific rights and obligations that shape workplace negotiations. This guide explores what the "duty to bargain" actually means in practice and how it impacts your workplace rights, whether you work in the private or public sector in Ohio.

Read More

Understanding DUI Checkpoints in Ohio: What Every Driver Should Know

Understanding DUI Checkpoints in Ohio: What Every Driver Should Know

DUI checkpoints (also called sobriety checkpoints) are temporary roadblocks where law enforcement officers stop vehicles to check drivers for signs of impairment. The U.S. Supreme Court has established that these checkpoints constitute a "seizure" under the Fourth Amendment, but they are permitted under certain conditions.

Read More

Dishonesty and Ohio Unemployment Benefits: What Applicants Need to Know

Dishonesty and Ohio Unemployment Benefits: What Applicants Need to Know

Navigating Ohio's unemployment system can be challenging, particularly when issues of workplace dishonesty are involved. As unemployment attorneys working with Ohio residents daily, we often encounter situations where applicants are surprised to learn how severely dishonesty can impact their benefits eligibility.

Read More

When Private Lives Meet Workplace Discipline: How Arbitrators View Off-Duty Conduct

When Private Lives Meet Workplace Discipline: How Arbitrators View Off-Duty Conduct

Where does an employer's authority end and an employee's private life begin? This question frequently arises in labor disputes when workers face discipline for actions that occurred outside work hours and away from company property. While employees often assume their personal lives remain their own business, employers sometimes claim that certain off-duty behaviors justify workplace consequences.

Read More

Understanding Ohio's Per Se OVI Charges: When Numbers Tell the Story

Understanding Ohio's Per Se OVI Charges: When Numbers Tell the Story

Ohio's Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI) laws include specific provisions known as "per se" violations, which create a unique framework for prosecution. These charges differ from traditional impairment-based OVI cases because they rely solely on chemical test results rather than observable signs of impairment.

Read More