Union issues, marijuana, collective bargaining, arbitration, policy and procedure.

Officials at S.D. Warren Company challenge an arbitrator's ruling concerning three workers charged with violating the company's drug policy. Company officials dismissed the three workers for violating an anti-drug provision in an existing collective bargaining agreement. The union representing the workers challenged the company's action. The parties submitted the issue for arbitration.

An arbitrator ruled in favor of the union. The arbitrator ruled the company's decision to terminate the employees was excessive. The arbitrator ordered the workers reinstated. The company now appeals.

The company loses. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maine affirmed the arbitrator's ruling. The court ruled the arbitrator correctly interpreted the collective bargaining agreement between the company and the union.