When workplace disputes cannot be resolved through the normal grievance process, arbitration serves as the final step in ensuring fairness for APC members. It’s one of the strongest protections built into our contract, allowing members to have their cases heard by a neutral third party when all other avenues within the CSU have been exhausted.
Before a case reaches the committee, the Labor Relations Manager, currently Lee Norris, conducts a full review of the grievance, including all responses from CSU and supporting documentation. The Labor Relations Manager then provides a written recommendation, which the committee evaluates before making its final decision.
The committee carefully reviews each case to determine whether it should advance to arbitration. This decision carries significant weight. Arbitration outcomes can establish precedents that shapes how future cases are handled, strengthening the rights of all Unit 4 employees.
For members, this process reflects the union’s ongoing commitment to ensuring their voices are heard and their contract rights are defended.
The APC Arbitration Committee plays a crucial role in this process. It’s made up of five members: the Vice President, the Council Member at Large, two stewards elected by the Council, and the President, who votes only in the case of a tie.
Meet the Arbitration Committee
Dagoberto Argueta, APC President
Dagoberto Argueta has been part of the CSU system for 37 years, with San Francisco State University as his home campus. He has been a dues-paying member of APC for 26 years, serving 14 of those years as a steward before being elected to the Executive Board 11 years ago.
As current APC President, Dago serves as a member of the Arbitration Committee. He explains that the Vice President, Council Member at Large, and President are automatic members of the committee, while two stewards are elected by the Council. The President only votes in the event of a tie.
“The task of the Committee is very important because we recommend which cases are going to move forward to arbitration,” Dago shared. “This happens after we have failed to settle grievances with the CSU and we have to resort to authorities outside the University to settle the disputes. The cases may be low or high profile, but the principle is that we have to stand up to defend our contract.”
He adds that the committee is charged with evaluating the merits of each case and determining whether it is strategically appropriate for the union to continue the fight.
Patrick Choi, Executive Board Vice President
Patrick Choi has dedicated more than 35 years to the CSU, beginning at San José State University and then spending the rest of his career at CSU Bakersfield. Over that time, he has served as a steward, Chief Steward, and in multiple leadership roles within APC, including Council Member at Large, Secretary, Vice President, and President.
As the current APC Vice President, Patrick also serves as a standing member of the Arbitration Committee. His long history with APC reflects his deep commitment to ensuring members have strong representation and a fair process when disputes reach arbitration.
Mario Baeza, Executive Board Council Member at Large
Mario Baeza has been with the CSU for 35 years, serving at the San Bernardino campus. He became a member of APC in the 1990s, has been Chief Steward at CSU San Bernardino since 2009, and has served as Council Member at Large on the APC Executive Board since 2014.
As the Executive Board’s current Council Member at Large, Mario also serves on the Arbitration Committee. “In this position, I’m obligated to be on the committee, and I’m glad that I am because it gives me the opportunity to see the decisions that come up,” he shared.
Mario explains that the committee’s work begins after APC’s Labor Relations Manager, currently Lee Norris, reviews a grievance and provides a written recommendation on whether a case should move forward. “The committee reviews all the information, responses, supporting materials, and the recommendation, and makes the final decision on whether or not to go to arbitration,” he said. “Sometimes we agree with the recommendation, and sometimes we don’t, but the ultimate decision rests with the committee.”
He notes that arbitration outcomes carry lasting significance. “Once an arbitration decision is made, it becomes settled law for us,” Mario explained. “It means the issue doesn’t have to be fought again because the decision stands. It’s one of the strongest ways APC protects its members and their rights.”
Juana Reyes, Steward, CSU Dominguez Hills
Juana Reyes has been with the CSU system for nine years and serves as the Graduate and TSP Coordinator in Admissions and Recruitment at CSU Dominguez Hills. She joined APC when she first began at CSU and has served as a steward for nearly five years.
Juana chose to join the Arbitration Committee because of her strong interest in labor relations and law. “I wanted to serve on the Arbitration Committee because I am passionate about labor relations and law, understanding how the system works and how we can assist our members to be more familiar with how arbitration works,” she said.
She wants members to know that the committee is always available to help answer questions and provide clarity about the process. “We are here to assist members with any questions they might have about arbitration and the process,” Juana shared.
Additional Committee Member
Janette L. Hyder – MSI Counselor and Senior Career Post-Graduation Coordinator, CSU Fullerton; Chief Steward, Fullerton Chapter
Why This Work Matters
The Arbitration Committee ensures that every grievance receives fair consideration and that APC remains steadfast in defending the rights of Unit 4 employees. Each case reviewed by the committee represents the union’s commitment to protecting its members and upholding the collective bargaining agreement.
Arbitration decisions can set important precedents, shaping how future disputes are handled and reinforcing APC’s role as a strong advocate for fairness and accountability across the CSU system.
If you are interested in getting more involved with APC, consider joining a committee. It is one of the best ways to contribute your voice, skills, and experience to the work that protects and supports your fellow members.