It is not uncommon for parties involved in the negotiation of their first collective agreement to experience more difficulties than unions and employers with a longer history of bargaining.
The code gives either party to a first collective agreement negotiation the ability to ask the board to mediate the negotiations. If mediation does not resolve the negotiations, the board may put the impasse before an arbitrator who will determine what the provisions of the first collective agreement shall be. Alternatively, the board may allow the normal pressures of a strike or lockout to end the impasse. A contract settled by mediation/arbitration or arbitration alone is binding on the parties.
For more information concerning collective bargaining, see Guide to the Labour Relations Code - Chapter Five - Collective Bargaining.
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