How are labour arbitrators selected for union-management disputes?

In the United States, the selection of a labour arbitrator for union-management disputes is typically handled through one of the following methods:

• Agreement Specification: The arbitrator may be explicitly named within the collective-bargaining agreement itself.1
• Ad Hoc Selection: More commonly, the parties leave the choice open until a specific dispute arises.1
• Permanent Arbitrator: Parties may appoint a single permanent arbitrator to resolve all disputes for the duration of their collective-bargaining agreement. This individual is often chosen for their deep familiarity with the specific industry and the history of the relationship between the union and management.1

When a board is used instead of a single arbitrator, the parties may establish a tripartite arbitration board. In this structure, each party appoints its own arbitrator to act as an advocate, and a neutral chairman is then selected either by the parties themselves or by the two party-appointed arbitrators. These arbitrators are generally experts in the field of industrial relations.1

Outside of the United States, labour disputes are frequently handled by government-appointed bodies, such as labour courts or conciliation and arbitration commissions.1