This article details three scenarios in which employees were disciplined for problems in getting along with others. In the first two, the employees were simply transferred to another job within the organization. In both cases the employees filed a grievance, and the arbitrator found for the employers.

The third case involved an employee who made threatening remarks to co-workers. The company terminated him instead of transferring him. He also filed a grievance, and the arbitrator ruled that there was just cause for termination given the threatening nature of the employee's statements. Just transferring him to another facility was not likely to change his behavior on the job.

Transferring an employee as an alternative to discipline can be useful, but the line between an improper transfer and one used as an alternative for discipline can be a thin one. Managers should get expert legal advice before using this solution.