10.2190/WFXX-J3NN-5VRQ-9YLP WFXXJ3NN5VRQ9YLP 0 MUNICIPAL LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: IDENTIFYING COMPARABLE CITIES 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=WFXXJ3NN5VRQ9YLP 3 RICHARD D. BINGHAM AND CLAIRE L. FELBINGER This article explains a method for systematically and empirically identifying comparable communities for local labor disputes. Since the designation of "comparables" is a critical component of interest arbitration, using an empirical tool, rather than emotion, should result in more predictable and fair choice of comparable communities. The application of these factor analytic and cluster techniques in the interest arbitration in the case of the DeKalb, Illinois Professional Firefighters Association and the City of DeKalb is described and the arbitrator's opinion of them reviewed.