On Off, On Off, On...

Looks as if layoffs at SIUC are off the table again. The university has rescinded the reduction-in-force letters sent out last month and both university officials and the union have agreed to move to arbitration. According to this story from the AP, the two sides have reached a general agreement with the arbitrator brought in to help finalize the agreement. Generally, I've found in the past that it's never a good sign when you have to bring an arbitrator into the negotiation, no matter how close both sides appear to be. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out.