10.2190/EKAH-VX70-J3KM-YMMN EKAHVX70J3KMYMMN 0 FACTORS CONSIDERED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INTEREST ARBITRATORS IN ASSESSING ABILITY TO PAY 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=EKAHVX70J3KMYMMN 1 RICHARD A. TURPIN Interest arbitrators generally consider at least three decision criteria when formulating their arbitration awards. Among these three criteria is the employer's ability to pay. Despite the importance of the ability-to-pay criterion, there is not a consensus among interest arbitrators as to how ability to pay should be determined. This article identifies factors that public sector interest arbitrators have considered in assessing an employer's ability to pay increased wages and benefits.