Helfert said although there are no laws restricting the time frame between negotiations, there are general guidelines dictating that negotiations have to continue in good faith, and if they do not, then action can be taken. Then a hearing would be held to uphold or refuse the claim, then the board can order the other party to return to the negotiating table. But as long as neither side is complaining, that the other side is not bargaining in good faith, then there are no time limits. Sandage said he was not aware of any complaints filed by the union with the labor board. Helfert said the role of the mediation service is to help the two sides find a resolution to their differences.
Strikes are tough on everybody - workers, the company, the community, friends.
Our job is to try to prevent a strike or to resolve differences so a strike can come to an end. But that's a hard thing to do because sometimes they'd rather fight than agree.