The Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) has announced the launch of a new upstate New York labor initiative. The initiative's programs feature a full range of innovative labor relations and arbitration services such as labor-management training and consulting, and arbitration case administration.

The new upstate initiative supports Cornell's land-grant mission, which includes sharing the university's intellectual and physical resources in relevant ways throughout the state. The new programs will directly support the university's commitment to outreach will tap into the extensive knowledge base at various ILR offices across upstate New York, as well as at Cornell's main campus.

"We are extremely excited to be able to offer these services," said Harry Katz, dean of Cornell's ILR School. "More than any other institution, ILR understands the needs and interests of the upstate New York workplace, and the strength of Cornell's program gives us a particular and unique capability to assist in the field of workplace conflict resolution."

Linda Cimino, who comes to Cornell after a distinguished career with the American Arbitration Association in Syracuse, N.Y., will serve as the program's case manager.

"For the past 22 years, Linda has enjoyed a reputation for administrative excellence throughout the upstate labor arbitration community," said Katz. "Attorneys, union officials and arbitrators have responded positively to the news that they will again have an opportunity to work closely with Linda, and we at Cornell are thrilled to have her on board."

In addition to arbitration services, ILR upstate programs will offer training and consulting to public-sector agencies and unions, and educational sessions on such topics as how to present a case in mediation and grievance mediation. As part of the initiative, ILR also will expand its research activities across New York state in areas such as the court system, workers compensation and diversity.

For more information about this initiative, contact Rocco Scanza at (607) 255-1124 or rms43@cornell.edu. For questions specific to the arbitration program, contact Linda Cimino at (866) 344-1131.