Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 2 v. Silgan Containers Manufacturing Corp.

MELLOY, Circuit Judge.

Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 2 (“the Union”) attempted to commence arbitration of terminated employee Joshua Stracener’s grievance. Before arbitration proceedings commenced, Stracener died, and the employer, Silgan Manufacturing Corp. (“Silgan”), refused to proceed with arbitration. The Union brought this suit to compel arbitration. Upon cross-motions for judgment on the pleadings, the district court found Silgan did not agree to arbitrate claims of a deceased employee and dismissed the case. We reverse, holding that the parties agreed to mandatory arbitration of…