Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 7 v. Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 7 Classroom Assistants Educational Support Personnel Ass'n

OPINION

Chief Justice CAPPY.

In this appeal by allowance, we review whether the Commonwealth Court properly applied the standard of review applicable to review of a grievance arbitrator’s award rendered under the Public Employe Relation Act, 48 P.S. § 1101 et seq. (“PERA”). For the reasons that follow, we reaffirm the essence test as the proper standard to be employed by a court when reviewing a grievance arbitration award; adopt a public policy exception to that test; reverse the decision of the Commonwealth Court; and remand the matter for further proceedings consistent with our opinion today.