TESTIMONIALS

"In his role as Executive Director of the Columbus, Ohio, Labor-Management Committee, Tom approached issues in a professional manner, had good communication skills, was attentive to the matters at hand, understood the perspectives of both parties and provided helpful advice and counsel in moving toward acceptable solutions. He earned the trust and confidence of both sides of the table. As a retired labor union advocate—and as the former head of a neutral agency responsible for empaneling labor arbitrators—I would have every confidence in selecting Tom to arbitrate even the most complex of issue or interest arbitration cases."

Paul W. Goldberg

Executive Director

Ohio Civil Service Employees Assn. (Ret.)

 "As the Director of Human Resources in a rapidly growing organization, Tom was required to balance the needs of the business and its employees and did so fairly, striking an appropriate balance. Tom also critically and objectively analyzed personnel issues that arose and adeptly made difficult decisions...Tom’s personality and extensive experience in organizational development and labor relations make him a calming presence in even the tensest situations. His ability to facilitate discussion and objectively analyze competing arguments uniquely position him to resolve even the most challenging situations – either through mutual agreement or by making a determination."

John M. Bagyi, Esq.

Partner

Bond, Schoeneck and King

 " I have known Tom since the 1990s when he was the Director of an Ohio Labor Management Center in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Tom was a facilitator during the interest based bargaining between the City of Cincinnati and AFSCME. I was the chief negotiator on the Union side. The very successful IBB project represented the largest public sector bargaining unit in the country to have utilized IBB with great success, and the parties and Tom received national recognition, by way of FMCS, for the successful negotiations...Tom is as sharp as they come.  He understands the collective bargaining process and is ready to begin service to the parties as an arbitrator."

Thomas Nowel

Mediator, Arbitrator, Mentor

National Academy of Arbitrators

"[Tom's] work has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities involved in labor-management relations across a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and government. I have witnessed Mr. Kruglinski's problem-solving capabilities and his commitment to fostering constructive labor relations. His ability to analyze situations and compose clear, concise written decisions is commendable. 

...In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Kruglinski's ethical standards and character are beyond reproach. His commitment to fairness and neutrality is evident in his approach to conflict resolution and decision-making. His participation in professional development activities, such as the "Becoming an Arbitrator" program sponsored by the FMCS and his active involvement in the National Academy of Arbitrators, further exemplifies his dedication to his craft."

Brian J. Eastman

General Counsel

Ohio Education Association

"Tom and I worked together on many initiatives including a sexual harassment investigation, resolving ongoing labor relations concerns, supporting management in dealing with difficult employee situations and overall support for general HR functions including performance management, training and development and employee engagement...  I found him very easy to collaborate with and valued his calm and balanced approach to investigations and problem solving. Our relations with the unions, employees and managers at a growing, constantly changing Medical Center and health system required us to maintain a difficult balance, advocating for employees and management, while maintaining positive relations with our collective bargaining units.  Tom’s approach was viewed as positive by employees, HR and management, in large part due to his ability to reason well, think through complex problems, and communicate clearly."

Ronna Foroglou

HR Director

Selux Corp.

 "From the start of the process, you demonstrated the professionalism required of an arbitrator. Your interactions with counsel for the parties, all of whom consented to you observing the hearing, were appropriate and respectful and your observations of the hearing process were on target.[ It] was clear that you understood the issues that were presented and the importance of focusing on the relevant arguments and supporting evidence in writing your decision. ...[Y]ou were able to parse through the many arguments to write a clear, concise decision that demonstrated that you heard the parties, but then focused on the critical elements of just cause upon which your decision was based. Your decision was well organized, setting forth the facts, the parties’ positions and then your discussion and award, and was written in a manner to assure not only that counsel for the parties would understand your reasoning and final award, but that the grievant would as well." 

Melissa H. Biren, Esq. 

Arbitrator,  Mediator, Mentor

National Academy of Arbitrators

"Tom has the character essential for an arbitrator. He is an ethical person, committed to fairness and reason. He subscribes to the proposition that he can reach unbiased decisions regarding disputes when presented with reasonable, legal and sufficient relevant information based solely on facts. He is an acute listener, one who pays close attention to all arguments and evidence presented. When involved in dispute circumstances, Tom listens carefully, and asks questions that support his comprehensive and deep understanding of all of the positions. He then carefully considers and assesses what has been presented to him without bias. His commitment is to a fair and reasonable process from beginning to end...Tom organizes, leads, and manages meetings with sensitivity to the

quality involvement of all participants. lf disputes occur in meetings, he brings

the agenda into the discussion, reminding and highlighting to all participants the

fair and orderly process that is in place for a successful, productive and satisfying

session. "

F. Glenn McNitt

Professor Emeritus, State Univ. of NY

United University Professors

" Tom has developed and conducted comprehensive training programs on leadership,  labor relations, team building, communication, problem solving, employee involvement and empowerment, continuous improvement, change management, and other high performance team skills and methodologies. He is highly respected and recognized as a trainer, consultant and mediator by both labor and management. 

Tom conducted training and facilitation on interest based bargaining for a company where I was the VP of Human Resources. His assistance resulted in a problem solving approach in bargaining that led to a win-win contact reached in half of the typical time which solved a challenging health benefits issue benefiting both labor and management... 

I believe Tom will be highly competent and respected professional as an arbitrator and mediator. I strongly recommend Tom without reservation. "

Paul D. Gormas, CEO

 Breakthrough Performance Group

"Tom is an excellent candidate and I have no doubt that he will be an asset to the FMCS. During our approximate 1 ½ years together, we  attended 3 arbitration cases, all from different panels, different parties and geographic areas in New York State. We had multiple regular communications including   in-person, virtual, via email and over the phone...  

We then discussed his [mock] award, which was very well written and thought out. His award covered the contract language regarding discipline and discharge (just cause), the grievance procedure, the management rights clause and external law. We then discussed the similarities between our awards in which we both reached the same conclusion. To fully appreciate his writing skills, his award is a must read as it is very impressive and on the mark."

John T. Trela

Arbitrator & Mentor

National Academy of Arbitrators