"Labor Law" [Reflections On Book The Canadian Economy Series B-6]
Collective units when they strike at work
Can only strike for contracts – not when jerks
Are being mean, or stepping out of line,
Which limits strikes to contract-talking time.They are allowed to use collective power;
Employers too – “Associations” are
Their new form of creating interest blocks
To power-broke in contract-making talks.He feels it’s good that we contain this way
Such labor-strife as there exists today;
Three benefits to our community
He notes in process, and results he sees:The first is keeping values we have known –
Free speech; Association; Owning home;
Fair opportunity; Protection from
The worst when sickness, poverty, have come.Then too, a role of, for, and by us folks,
Decisions mostly made not under yokes
Of powerful, but trade – supply demand,
While rulers don’t let things get out of hand.The second value of our system now
Is stopping heavy damage (once allowed),
To people, property, as interests clashed –
Our labor-laws avoid the nasty past.Third value to society at large –
Control of outcomes – settlements too large;
Inflation wrecks up price stability;
We had enough of that in thirty-three.Assumption in our system? All can charge
As much as folks will pay, for by and large,
The system works, and equilibrium
Returns once more when someone starts to run.The laws encourage us to talk as one –
Collectively, be nice ’till task is done;
Some tweaks could make the system operate
Much better – ask committee – “Arbitrate?”Don’t lock in arbitration at the end;
It wrecks the talks before – folks will not to bend
If mediator makes that starting point
And splits the difference – “hold out” he anoints.The Yanks have one whose job is to pursue
A grievance even if no other parties do,
If it is felt it wrecks society –
Perhaps that role has value we could see.In short, his chapter gives an overview
Of things our government and systems do
In area of life where values clash –
A balanced intro-view for us at last.Thanks Lord for this.
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