Stephen (Steve) Sloper

I have more than four decades of experience in labor relations, advocacy, and dispute resolution. In January 2024, I retired from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to begin a new chapter as a neutral labor arbitrator. I took, and still take, being a neutral seriously. It is an essential quality in a labor arbitrator, a person who must be fair to all parties.  I am listed with both the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) and the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service.

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Career in Labor Relations

U.S. Postal Service

  • Casual Clerk (1976-1977)
  • Letter Carrier (1978-2000)

National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 1111

  • Shop Steward & Chief Steward (1980-1991)
  • Field Representative & Vice President (1991-2000)
  • Represented the union in over 50 arbitrations
  • Advocated before Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and California Unemployment Insurance Board

National Labor Relations Board (2000-2024)

  • Investigated unfair labor practice cases across private sector
  • Conducted representation elections, hearings, and authored decisions in some types of representation cases
  • Served as Grievance Chair (2011-2023) for NLRB Union (selected counsel and arbitrators; supervised cases and participated in national level negotiations over a new CBA, including mediation). This work was part time while working as an NLRB Board Agent.

Arbitrator (2024-Present)

  • Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) List 2024
  • California Mediation and Conciliation Service List 2024

 

 Arbitrator Credentials

After completing FMCS's "Becoming a Labor Arbitrator" training where I drafted evaluated decisions under a veteran's supervision, I joined both the FMCS and California State arbitration panels. I am currently available for appointments on various issues across the public and private sectors.

  • Permanent Panel: EPA NTEU Local 295
  • Education: AB, UC Berkeley (1970)
  • JD, JFK Law School (1995) (While working full time for National Association of Letter Carriers)
  • California Bar: Admitted June 1996. State Bar #182745 Active member