First Name: Initial: Last Name: Suffix: Arbitrator Since: James S. Cooper 1980

Arbitration/Mediation Experience

Over twenty-five years as a full-time arbitrator, mediator and fact finder. From 1975 - 1980, served as Chairman of the Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission, a state labor board with jurisdiction over most public sector employers, and a few private employers not under the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board.

Panels/Permanent Arbitrator

AAA, FMCS, The Labor Relations Connection, NH PERB, NYS PERB, MA Joint Labor Management Committee for Police and Fire, MA Board of Conciliation and Arbitration, US Dept. of Defense and Overseas Federation of Teachers, Virgin Islands PERB, MA State Colleges and MA State College Assn., NYS and CSEA, NYS and PEF, PEF and Steelworkers, MA Teachers Assn. and MA Teachers Assn. Staff Organization, Harvard Univ. and Bldg. & Construction Trades Council & NE Reg. Council of Carpenters

Issues/Industries

Most issues arising from employer-employee relations, including contract interpretation, discipline, jurisdictional issues, wages, promotions and union fees. Shipbuilding, paper, electronics, concrete, manufacturing, retail, entertainment, construction, chemical & metals, automotive, newspaper/media, communications, bookbindery, hotel & restaurant, transportation, federal, state and local government and related civil service occupations including transportation, uniformed services, housing and education

Work History

1975-1980, Chairman, Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission 1973-1975, Attorney, Holtz and Drachman, Labor Relations counsel representing management. 1972-1973, Staff Attorney, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

Education

JD, Law, Rutgers University (Newark), 1971 BA, Chemistry, Cornell University, 1968

Professional Affiliations