In re the Arbitration Between Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. & Freeman
This case involves Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. (CBS) seeking to stay arbitration initiated by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Local 1212 (the Union). The Union cross-moved to compel arbitration concerning video tape recording jurisdiction and alleged violations of their collective bargaining agreement dated May 1, 1958. CBS argued that the Union's demands did not involve specific grievances and were untimely. The court, presided over by William O. Hecht, Jr., J., ruled that the demand for arbitration, including questions of subcontracting within and potentially outside specified territorial limitations and alleged violations of Sections 1.04, 1.05, and 6.01, was arbitrable. The court emphasized the policy of encouraging arbitration and rejected CBS's arguments regarding the specificity of grievances, timeliness, and alleged illegality of certain arbitration items. The motion to stay arbitration was denied, and the cross-motion to compel arbitration was granted for both items.