The union referred a grievance to arbitration alleging that the employer violated the collective agreement by laying off senior elevator mechanics while retaining two junior mechanics during a shortage of work.
The employer argued that the retained junior mechanics possessed specialized skills (adjusting and contract service on specific equipment) that the senior mechanics lacked.
The Board found that the collective agreement's seniority clause was qualified by a requirement that retained mechanics have the necessary skill and ability to do the remaining work.
The Board concluded that the employer's assessment of skill and ability was reasonable, honest, and unbiased, and dismissed the grievance.
