In the Matter of Christine Antonopoulou v. Abraham D. Beame, as Comptroller of the City of New York

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals held that back‑pay awarded through a collective‑bargaining grievance settlement is a contractual obligation, not a prohibited gift of public funds under Article VIII §1 of the State Constitution, and that a Step One or Step Two grievance settlement is as binding as a Step Three arbitration award. The Court reversed the Appellate Division and remitted the case for further proceedings consistent with its determination.