Arbitrators object to PBA’s citing of unethical behavior by Howard Edelman

PBA president Patrick J. Lynch said: 

“This union did nothing more than point out the unethical behavior of Mr. Edelman, who not only disregarded the facts in evidence and the Taylor Law's arbitration award criteria, but also accepted future work from the city while sitting in judgment on the police contract without informing us as he was required to do. No honest, ethical and fair arbitrator should have any concerns about chairing a panel should it be required. All we have ever asked is that arbitrators honor their oath to 'hear and decide the controversy faithfully and fairly,' as set forth in state law. Three previous arbitrators in PBA proceedings upheld that oath, even though we may not have agreed with everything in their awards. Mr. Edelman disregarded his oath, and arbitrators who value the honor and integrity of their profession should join us in condemning the resulting compromised award. We expect that the National Academy of Arbitrators will recognize and act on these concerns once it has held a full hearing on our formal ethics complaint against Mr. Edelman. In the meantime, the outcome of this arbitration proceeding is a matter of public concern, and we will continue to exercise our First Amendment right to denounce it.”