Town of Babylon v. Stacy Carson
The Town of Babylon challenged an arbitration award that reduced a disciplinary penalty imposed on its employee, Stacy Carson, which involved restoring 10 days of pay and shortening her probation. The Town's petition to vacate the award was initially denied by the Supreme Court, which held the arbitrator had broad authority despite limitations in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). On appeal, the higher court reversed this judgment, finding the arbitrator exceeded his power because the CBA only permitted a remedy if 'just cause' for discipline was not found, and the arbitrator had, in fact, affirmed 'just cause'. Consequently, the arbitration award's modifications were vacated, and the original penalties were reinstated.