Labor & Employment

• Southern Union Company v. Patrick Lynch, 321 F.Supp.2d 328 (D.R.I. 2004), in which the court ruled on issues involving the Eleventh Amendment, Pullman abstention, Younger abstention, the National Gas Pipeline Act, and issues of license requirement preemptions for natural gas providers. 
• Pawtucket Fraternal Order v. City of Pawtucket  R.I. Supreme Court No. 2004-154 Appeal  In this case, the Police Union filed a petition to vacate an arbitrator’s award in favor of the City of Pawtucket over the method of computing its cost to purchase service credits for retirement purposes.  The Superior Court vacated the arbitrator’s award and the City appealed.  AP&S appealed on behalf of the City arguing that the Superior Court exceeded its authority in vacating the arbitrator’s award.  The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the City and the arbitrator acted within his powers and that its Superior Court decision should be vacated.