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Past Practice And The Administration Of Collective Bargaining Agreements, Richard Mittenthal

Michigan Law Review

In a recent United States Supreme Court decision, Mr. Justice Douglas, speaking for the majority, stated that "the labor arbitrator's source of law is not confined to the express provisions of the contract, as the industrial common law-the practices of the industry and the shop-is equally a part of the collective bargaining agreement although not expressed in it." When compared to actual management-union experiences in contract administration, this dictum seems unduly broad. It may be premature as well, for no coherent "rationale of grievance arbitration" has yet been developed. If such a rationale is to be achieved, far more work …