United Steelworkers of America, for Itself and on Behalf of Local 12943 v. The Mead Corporation, Fine Paper Division

BOYCE F. MARTIN, Jr., Circuit Judge.

The United Steelworkers of America filed a grievance alleging that The Mead Corporation’s retirement incentive program violated the collective bargaining agreement between the Union and the Company. The Union now appeals the district court’s order finding the grievance not subject to arbitration and thus refusing to compel arbitration. For the following reasons, we reverse the judgment of the district court.

I

The Mead Corporation operates a mill in Kingsport, Tennessee, the employees of which are represented by the United Steelworkers of America. On January…