Civil Service Commission v. City of Kelso

Officer Darrell Stair and the Kelso Police Benefit Association challenge a Court of Appeals’ decision affirming Stair’s 10-day disciplinary suspension from the Kelso Police Department. At issue is whether a Civil Service Commission decision upholding the suspension bars Stair from challenging the suspension in arbitration under his collective bargaining agreement. We reverse the Court of Appeals and hold that Officer Stair may pursue his claims in both tribunals.

FACTS

The City of Kelso (the City) suspended Stair from the *169Kelso Police Department for two and one-half days after his negligence…