Graphic Communications Conference-International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 404M v. Bakersfield Californian

ORDER RE: MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

I. History

Plaintiff Graphic Communications Conference represents 17 pressroom employees (“Workers”) of Defendant the Bakersfield Californian. The Workers are covered under a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) that runs through August 2009. On January 15, 2008, Defendant announced its intention to subcontract all pressroom employment, as well as other functions, to Brad Mosely, Inc. (“BMI”), and to terminate the Workers on March 17, 2008. The Workers’ benefits would end on that date with the exception of health care coverage which would end on March 31, 2008. Plaintiff filed a grievance January 17, 2008 in accordance with Article XXIII, Grievance and Arbitration Procedure of the CBA. The grievance has proceeded to arbitration. Defendant and Plaintiff have agreed to Douglas Collins as arbitrator. The arbitration will take place on March 26, 2008 with all briefs to be filed by March 31, 2008. Arbitrator Collins is required to issue his judgment within 30 days of the submission of briefs, but the parties have agreed to request that he do so by April 21, 2008.

Defendant intends to move forward with the subcontract and terminate all…