What is the next step of the process when union representives and industry cannot come to terms on a contract or a issue?

Answer 1

When union representatives and the employer cannot come to agreeable terms during contract negotiations the next step has traditionally been for either the union to call for a strike (the workers would leave the job and picket until an agreement was made) or the employer would sometimes "lockout" the workers (they would physically prevent the workers from returning to work until an agreement was made). Both options have the same result, the worker is not working (not earning a paycheck) and the employer is not producing a product or service (not earning any money). Some unions such as the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) have a "no strike" and "no lockout" clause in their contracts, if the two cannot come to an agreement, they have both agreed to go to a binding arbitration. Whatever decision the arbitration committee decides both sides will have to live with for the duration of that contract. Sometimes it works out in the favor of the workers and sometimes for the employer, neither side really wants to go to arbitration (never know who's side they will decide in favor of), so most times they can come to an agreement on their own without going to arbitration.