Such a third party can be either a single arbitrator, or a board consisting of a chairman and one or more representatives. Arbitration is often used to settle major grievances and for settling contract interpretation disputes. Voluntary arbitration is that agreed to by the parties without statutory compulsion. Compulsory arbitration is that imposed by law.
Governments sometimes impose it to avoid a strike or end one.
Bargaining Agent - Union designated by a Labour Relations Board or similar government agency as the exclusive representative of all employees in a bargaining unit for the purpose of collective bargaining. Bargaining Unit - Group of workers in a craft, department, plant, firm, industry or occupation, determined by a Labour Relations Board or similar body as appropriate for representation by a Union for purposes of Collective Bargaining. Canadian Labour Congress Certification - Official designation by a Labour Relations Board or similar government agency of a Union as sole and exclusive Bargaining Agent, following proof of majority support among employees in a Bargaining Unit. Collective Agreement - A contract between one or more Unions acting as Bargaining Agent, and one or more employers, covering wages, hours, working conditions, fringe benefits, rights of workers and Union, and procedures to be followed in settling disputes and grievances. Collective Bargaining - Method of determining wages, hours, and other conditions of employment through direct negotiations between the Union and employer.