This book is a handbook to guide lawyers as well as lay employer and union advocates in preparing and presenting their cases to a neutral arbitrator or board of arbitration. It leads the reader through each step of the labor arbitration process, particularly to see the arbitration process from the perspective of the advocate and to evaluate the strategies and tactics often employed by experienced advocates in case preparation and presentation.

It is also designed for union and management lawyers and lay advocates alike. In virtually all aspects of case preparation and presentation, the tasks and skills of a union advocate are mirror images of those of his or her employer counterpart, and vice versa. Although union advocates almost always represent the individual(s) bringing the grievance (the "grievant(s)" or "complainant(s)") and the union that represents him/her/them (which is defending the case), the specific steps in preparation and presentation of the case are identical for each side. In the many examples and practical tips found throughout the book, both union and employer perspectives are reflected.

This book deals solely with labor arbitration, advocates may nevertheless find themselves with a case in other related arenas, such as employment disputes in non-union settings, and may find relevant and useful information in most of the chapters of this book.