Local 144, Hotel, Hospital, Nursing Home and Allied Services Union v. CNH Management Associates, Inc.
Plaintiff Local 144 sought to confirm an arbitration award against defendant CNH Management Associates regarding unpaid wages and benefits for workers at Concourse Nursing Home. CNH cross-moved to dismiss or vacate the award, arguing it was not final and that the arbitrator exceeded his powers. The court found that the arbitrator's interim order for CNH to immediately pay over $6 million into an escrow account was ripe for confirmation, viewing it as preliminary equitable relief to preserve the integrity of the final award. Consequently, the court confirmed this specific order but dismissed other aspects of Local 144's petition as not yet ripe for judicial review. The court also rejected CNH's arguments regarding the arbitrator's authority and the nature of the award.