Arbitrator upholds firing of Washington Township authority employee
An arbitrator has upheld the firing of Michael Latkanich from his job at the Washington Township Municipal Authority. Latkanich had filed a grievance through United Steel Workers of America Local 3403, which represents employees at the authority. The case was heard earlier this summer and attorney Richard Dissen, who served as the arbitrator, issued a ruling late last month.
“The grievance was denied and the termination was upheld,” said attorney Michael Witheral, who represents the authority.
Witheral, Dissen and attorney Howard Grossinger, who represented Latkanich, said they could not release the details of the arbitration ruling.
Latkanich lost his job at the authority after being convicted of simple assault for punching and kicking Charles Yusko on Oct. 13, 2005, causing Yusko to lose consciousness. Latkanich was found not guilty of the more serious charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.
Yusko was running for Washington Township supervisor at time. Latkanich’s mother, Joanne Latkanich, was also running for supervisor. Both Yusko and Latkanich were elected.