Both labour and management candidly acknowledge that because of this situation, they withhold compromise until after government intervention. Their true strategy becomes to position themselves for the inevitable interest arbitration process that will be imposed. In other words, in sectors where Parliamentary intervention is expected, little real collective bargaining occurs. This process is not conducive to settlement. There are some particularly sensitive areas in labour relations in the federal jurisdiction.
Grain is a good example.
It is a politically high profile industry because it affects so many people. Producers say that in this highly competitive industry our Canadian reputation for reliable delivery is vital to our export position. But efficient industrial practices in grain handling and the price of labour are also important to our competitive position. A reliable but overpriced source of grain may be even less attractive to our customers. There are no easy answers to such questions.