A n expression of concern about whether interest arbitration is a fair substitute for the strike and in view of the potentially negative impact of interest arbitration on bargaining in the public sector. Experience under the New York City collective-bargaining law is reviewed; its success is attributed, in substantial measure, to the degree of labor and involvement. Comparability is advocated as the only fair standard for arbitrators to use in assessing economic packages . Greater familiarity by the arbitrators with the parties and their problems is recommended.