Many people do not realize that where unions have bargaining rights employers cannot raise wages or improve benefit plans any more than they can reduce them without of the consent of the union.

The only sound approach to collective bargaining is to work out an agreement that clarifies the rights and responsibilities of the parties, establishes principles and operates to the advantage of all concerned.

Unfortunately, in collective bargaining one party or the other too often tries to gain an advantage - a bargain, like buying something in a store for less than it is worth.

If workmen are denied any increase in real wages and they can look forward only to a better standard of living through reduction of prices, progress for them is terribly slow, and they become impatient and dissatisfied.

A lot of employers would say it is too easy at the moment for unions to be able to put themselves in a position where they can take protected industrial action and, once it is occurring, too difficult to bring it to an end,

We are currently engaged in collective bargaining with several of our unions, and we do not foresee a union calling for a strike.