A labor relations expert says having an unintended third party - such as students - usually provides a compelling reason for both sides in a labor dispute to find common ground...
Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld is Dean of the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois. He says having a group - such as students or a public good - creates a major concern when a negotiation process fails.
Cutcher-Gershenfeld says in situations such as a faculty strike, it's important not to take sides or interfere with efforts to find a resolution. He says in the long term, if the parties are so far apart and cannot reach agreement, the experience will help educate all parties as to what's at stake and what is and is not possible to achieve.