Alma: Town, highway union agree to arbitration

The legal spat continues to expand in the Town of Alma's dispute with its highway department. Town Supervisor Ronald Staedt confirmed this afternoon that the town and the International Association of Machinists, which represents the highway department, have agreed to arbitration. The issue surrounds the firing of Heavy Equipment Motor Operator Brian Trask. Trask was hired December 7, 2018 and dismissed a few months later for what Staedt said "was cause." The union disagrees. The arbitration is scheduled for November 26th in Pittsford. Trask hasn't been paid since January, but continues to report to work, according to town officials. The town says it's on solid ground based on a February 4th audit by the U.S. Labor Department. The union maintains a far different opinion.
Keep in mind this issue is separate from the lawsuit filed against the town originated by the highway superintendent. The town no longer recognizes the superintendent, an elected official...that's the issue that will be addressed in a Cattaraugus County courtroom next week.