Dickenson-Russell Coal Co. v. International Union, United Mine Workers

OPINION

JAMES P. JONES, District Judge.

The issue in this case is the enforceability of a labor arbitrator’s award that directed reinstatement of a coal mine employee who was fired under a “zero-tolerance” drug policy after testing positive for marijuana use. The arbitrator found mitigating circumstances, including that the longtime employee had no prior history of illegal drug use. Because the drug policy did not require termination as the only possible punishment and reinstatement does not violate public policy, I will uphold the award.

I

Dickenson-Russell Coal Company, LLC…