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Why the British Shelved Compulsory Arbitration
Armstrong, Eric G.A.
2/4  (Summer 1960): 45-53

The article focuses on why the Great Britain shelved compulsory arbitration. Some form of compulsory arbitration existed in Great Britain during the First World War, however, it was abandoned in 1919. The Second World War prompted its re-introduction. After the fall of France in 1940, it was obvious that hostilities would continue for a number of years and uninterrupted production was of paramount importance. The trade unions and employers, therefore, agreed to renounce their ultimate sanctions of the strike and lockout. The renunciation was embodied in the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Order, 1940. Briefly, this legislation provided that where negotiations broke down, either party was free to report the dispute to the Minister of Labor who might then refer it for settlement to an independent arbitration tribunal. The Minister had 21 days within which to take such action and during this period, any strike or lockout would be illegal. This legislation, designed to meet the needs of wartime conditions, continued in operation until 1951, six years beyond its expected life span.

 

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