Usually, but not always, the Union will achieve a better contract monetarily than they would be able to negotiate, especially during a recession. Arbitrators tend to apply industry patterns when making their determinations about what is fair. Back to work legislation tends to poison future negotiations. One side or the other will decide there is no sense bargaining when the province will send them back to work and they will "roll the dice" that the arbitrated settlement will be to their advantage. Collective bargaining works best for both sides when they come to a mutual consensus.