INTERESTING article from Professor Gregor Gall in Monday’s paper (Why is arbitration not being used to resolve strikes?, Jan 23).
For arbitration to work it requires both sides to accept the arbiter’s decision. This is the flaw, as is also the case with mediation. However while this may work with private business as the acceptance requirement can be enshrined in law, with governments it is a different matter.
READ MORE: Strike set to shut Scottish Parliament to public next week
What is most important for governments is to be seen to be and actually physically in command and control, they cannot abide being told by someone who is not actually in charge what they must or must not do. They need to maintain the “I’m in charge”, “I own this”, “it’s mine and not yours” attitude, which parallels the feudal approach that everyone exists for the leaders’ benefit.
Nick Cole
Meigle, Perthshire
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