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Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. 79 Civ. 1536, 79 Civ. 1570
Regular Panel Decision

Iberia Air Lines v. National Mediation Board

Iberia Air Lines moved for summary judgment seeking a declaration that it lawfully changed employee terms on February 23, 1979, after negotiations with the IAM deadlocked. The core issue was whether the IAM's request for mediation to the National Mediation Board (NMB) was timely under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) Section 6, which mandates a ten-day window for such requests after conference termination. The NMB's offices were intermittently closed due to a federal holiday and a snowstorm, and the IAM's formal request was received after the ten-day period. The court granted Iberia's motion, ruling that the RLA's plain language allows carriers to implement changes if mediation services are not invoked within the specified ten days, rejecting the government's arguments for an extended status quo or tolling of the period due to unforeseen closures or a mere telephone call.

Railway Labor ActNational Mediation BoardCollective BargainingLabor DisputeSummary JudgmentUnilateral ChangeStatus QuoTimelinessStatutory InterpretationAir Carrier
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

League of Voluntary Hospitals & Homes v. Local 1199, Drug, Hospital & Health Care Workers Union

The court addresses an application for a preliminary injunction against Local 1199, a union planning a three-day strike. The League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes of N. Y. sought the injunction following a previous temporary restraining order concerning a one-day strike. The union argued that each planned strike required a new legal proceeding, but the court deemed the strikes "episodic and organically connected." Citing concerns about blocked ingress/egress to hospitals and the union president's threats to "shut down" facilities, the judge found a preliminary injunction necessary under Labor Law § 807 to protect public health and safety. The injunction restrains the union from unlawfully interfering with hospital operations, blocking access, and picketing within certain distances of hospital entrances and emergency rooms.

Labor DisputePreliminary InjunctionStrike ActionUnion ActivityHospital AccessPicketing RegulationsCollective BargainingCivil Disobedience ThreatPublic Health and SafetyIngress Egress Interference
References
1
Case No. 21 MC 97
Regular Panel Decision
Mar 03, 2009

In Re September 11 Litigation

District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein accepted the mediator's report concerning the extensive settlements achieved in the wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits arising from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. These cases, filed under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (ATSSSA) in the Southern District of New York, involved victims and their families suing airlines and aviation-related companies. Mediator Sheila L. Birnbaum, assisted by Thomas E. Fox, successfully resolved 72 out of 95 cases through a meticulous mediation process that addressed complex legal issues, sensitive security information (SSI) discovery, and varying state laws governing damages. The court's order highlights the challenges faced in these mass torts, including balancing claimant equity, ensuring fair contingent fees, and navigating the unique circumstances of the litigation, ultimately leading to approximately $500 million in aggregate settlements.

September 11th AttacksWrongful DeathPersonal Injury LitigationMass TortsMediationSettlement NegotiationsAir Transportation Safety and System Stabilization ActVictim Compensation FundSensitive Security InformationDamages Discovery
References
16
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of Ickes v. Sayville Animal Hospital

Claimant, a veterinary technician, suffered a work-related injury and received workers' compensation benefits. The carrier sought to suspend payments due to the claimant's failure to provide a work status affidavit. At a hearing, the carrier introduced the issue of voluntary withdrawal from the labor market without prior notice to the claimant, which the WCLJ promptly dismissed. Despite the WCLJ's ruling, the Workers' Compensation Board later modified the decision, finding voluntary withdrawal and rescinding benefits. On appeal, the court reversed the Board's rescission of benefits, ruling that the claimant was denied due process as she had no notice or opportunity to address the voluntary withdrawal issue. The case was remitted to the Board for further proceedings consistent with the court's decision.

Workers' CompensationLabor Market WithdrawalDue ProcessNotice of IssueAppellate ReviewRemandBenefit SuspensionAdministrative LawWorkers' Compensation BoardJudicial Modification
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

United States v. Greater Blouse, Skirt & Neck-Wear Contractors Ass'n

The defendant, Slate Belt, moved to vacate a notice of voluntary dismissal filed by the plaintiff, the Government, under Rule 41(a)(1)(i) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Slate Belt argued the dismissal was not at an 'early stage' and would cause prejudice, despite never having filed an answer. The court found that no joinder of issue occurred, and the merits of the controversy were never presented or passed upon by the court. Extended private negotiations between the parties regarding a proposed decree were not considered the equivalent of an answer or court action on the merits, nor did incurred legal fees constitute sufficient prejudice. Consequently, the court held that the plaintiff was within its rights to file the voluntary dismissal, and the defendant's motion to vacate was denied.

Voluntary dismissalRule 41(a)(1)(i)Federal Rules of Civil ProcedureSherman ActJoinder of issuePrejudiceMeritsNegotiationsDistrict CourtMotion practice
References
2
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of Clohesy v. Consolidated Edison Co.

Claimant, a utility company employee, filed three workers’ compensation claims between 1979 and 1997 for back/neck injuries and asbestosis. He resigned in December 1999, which the employer contended was a voluntary withdrawal from the labor market. A Workers’ Compensation Law Judge disagreed, but the Workers’ Compensation Board reversed, finding the retirement voluntary. Claimant appealed this Board decision. The Appellate Division found the Board’s decision was not supported by substantial evidence, noting the claimant had legitimate medical ailments interfering with his duties, and the Board unduly emphasized the lack of explicit medical advice to retire. The court reversed the Board's decision and remitted the matter for further proceedings.

Voluntary withdrawal from labor marketWorkers' Compensation benefitsPermanent partial disabilityAsbestosis diagnosisMotor vehicle accident claimsMedical evidenceSubstantial evidence reviewAppellate reviewRemittalDisability contributing to retirement
References
7
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

In re D. Children

The Monroe County Department of Social Services sought Family Court approval for the voluntary transfer of custody of five children from the D. family. Following approval, the Family Court appointed Sally Moore as a guardian ad litem and later ordered the Department of Social Services to cooperate with her. The Director of the Department of Social Services appealed these orders, contending that the Family Court lacked jurisdiction after approving the initial voluntary transfer instrument. The appellate court agreed, ruling that the Family Court's jurisdiction under Social Services Law § 358-a terminated upon approval, and therefore, it lacked authority to appoint a guardian ad litem or compel cooperation with the CASA volunteer without a pending proceeding. The court reversed and vacated the Family Court's orders, emphasizing that any extension of judicial oversight in foster care matters must be legislatively granted.

Family LawChild CustodyVoluntary PlacementSocial Services LawFamily Court JurisdictionGuardian ad LitemCASAAppellate ReviewStatutory InterpretationFoster Care
References
6
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of Scarpelli v. Bevco Trucking Corp.

Claimant, aged 62, sustained a work-related back injury in February 1999, prompting his retirement the following day and the commencement of social security retirement benefits. Although he had planned to work part-time until age 65, he did not seek any employment post-injury. The Workers’ Compensation Board reversed a WCLJ decision, ruling that the claimant's failure to seek alternative work constituted a voluntary withdrawal from the labor market, despite being deemed permanently partially disabled. The employer and carrier's contention regarding the untimeliness of the appeal was rejected. Ultimately, the Appellate Division affirmed the Board's finding, concluding that substantial evidence supported the determination of voluntary withdrawal.

Voluntary withdrawalLabor marketPermanent partial disabilityWorkers' CompensationAppeal timelinessMedical evidenceConflicting evidenceSocial security benefitsRetirementBack injury
References
8
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
May 06, 2002

Claim of De Simone v. Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc.

A claimant, after a 33-year career with the employer involving asbestos exposure, was diagnosed with a severe, permanent asbestos-related pulmonary and pleural disease by July 2000. He retired in May 2001 at age 55, informing his employer that his disability prevented him from continuing work. The employer challenged his eligibility for post-retirement benefits, asserting a voluntary withdrawal from the labor market. However, a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge and subsequently the Workers’ Compensation Board found a causal link between his disability and retirement, awarding him benefits. The appellate court affirmed the Board's decision, concluding that substantial evidence supported the finding that the claimant's retirement was not a voluntary withdrawal from the labor market.

Asbestos ExposureOccupational DiseasePulmonary AsbestosPleural DiseaseRetirement BenefitsVoluntary WithdrawalLabor MarketSubstantial EvidenceCausationDisability
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

United Transportation Union v. DELAWARE AND HUDSON RAILWAY, CO.

This case addresses a labor dispute between the United Transportation Union (UTU), Delaware & Hudson Railway Company (D & H), and the National Mediation Board (NMB) under the Railway Labor Act. UTU sought declaratory and injunctive relief, asserting its right to self-help (strike) after purportedly terminating collective bargaining negotiations with D & H. The NMB intervened, attempting to compel mediation, which UTU resisted, claiming NMB lacked jurisdiction due to proper termination of conferences. The Court, denying UTU's motion for summary judgment, clarified that while mutual termination is not required, an unequivocal termination and good faith bargaining are prerequisites for exercising self-help. Ultimately, the court found genuine issues of material fact existed regarding both the unequivocal termination of conferences and UTU's good faith bargaining efforts, thus precluding summary judgment.

Railway Labor ActCollective BargainingNegotiation TerminationSelf-HelpMediationSummary JudgmentGood Faith BargainingLabor DisputeFederal Rules of Civil Procedure
References
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