The Ohio University Human Resources Department agreed to allow the union two more weeks to prepare its arguments for the restoration of jobs to a state arbitrator.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1699 requested a two-week extension, which is not unusual, said Linda Lonsinger, director of employee and labor relations. The new deadline is Wednesday.

“Everyone has a certain workload, and briefs take a long time to write,” she said, adding that an extension is routine.  
 Both sides will deliver their arguments to an independent state arbitrator who will make the final decision within a few weeks, said Dave Logan, union chapter president, who was recently re-elected for two more years.

The union is arguing for the restoration of 21 custodial positions eliminated in the summer of 2007, eight of which resulted in layoffs and backed pay, because their contract states management will avoid layoffs unless there is a lack of work or money.

Lonsinger ruled last year that OU was not at fault for eliminating the positions because of a deficit for fiscal year 2008. The decision prompted Logan to appeal to the arbitrator.

“Our argument has been that there was no lack of funds, and you can’t reallocate the funds and create a deficit and then claim there was a lack of funds,” he said. “A lack of funds means you are broke;  it doesn’t mean you put the money somewhere else.”

He said he believes the union has a strong case, but the arbitrator could side with Human Resources and contend that management has the right to spend money how it sees fit.

“We still strongly believe that the service workers and the cleanliness and health of the students is more important than three or four more vice presidents,” Logan said.

University officials said they needed the money for three police sergeant positions and an associate vice president for Finance.

Lonsinger said last year that the union could appeal to the Court of Common Pleas if the arbitrator rules in favor of the university.