1. The arbitrator in this case stated that there would be no reason to assume that an administrator continued to accumulate seniority because the collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union is only to protect and provide benefits to those members of the unit. Moreover, because administrators leave the unit, there would be no reason for the union to protect them. Recognizing, however, that most administrators in the school system come from the ranks of the bargaining unit, why would the union not wish to benefit at least indirectly its members who were capable of being promoted?
2. The arbitrator found only one instance in a "past practice" where an administrator who returned to elementary teaching was not placed on a layoff list for elementary teachers. The arbitrator, therefore, gave no credence to the school district's contention that "past practice" should be sustained. Had there been a "past practice" do you think the arbitrator would have found that the language of the contract meant that seniority rights were to continue to be accumulated?