The complaint charging unfair labor practices was filed in the above-entitled matter on May 16, 1988. The allegations involve unilateral changes of employee insurance benefits.

The matter was deferred to arbitration on September 19, 1988, pursuant to the policies enunciated by the Public Employment Relations Commission in Stevens County, Decision 2602 (PECB, 1987).

Arbitrator Joe H. Henderson issued his arbitration award on the underlying grievance on August 18, 1989, concluding that:

The employer violated the contract Article 16.1 by modifying the [employee insurance benefits] coverage. The changes made by the Employer were changes in the "current" medical benefits of Article 16.1 of the contract in that employees were compelled to pay an extra amount for continuation of the same coverage or select a new medical plan.

The employer provided a copy of that arbitration award to the Commission, under cover of a letter which described the remedial steps previously agreed upon by the parties.

A letter was directed to counsel for the union on October 2, 1989, directing that good cause be shown within 14 days thereafter as to why the complaint should not be dismissed on the basis that the arbitration award is dispositive of the unfair labor practice allegations. Nothing further has been heard or received from the union concerning the above-entitled matter.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is

ORDERED

The complaint charging unfair labor practices filed in the above-captioned matter is dismissed on the basis that the arbitration award issued by Joe H. Henderson is dispositive of the dispute.

DATED at Olympia, Washington, this 2nd day of November, 1986.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

[SIGNED]

MARVIN L. SCHURKE, Executive Director

This Order may be appealed by filing a petition for review with the Commission pursuant to WAC 391-45-350.