Academy President Barrett states that the common law of the shop has developed as a result of arbitrators’ decisions that have spelled out what guidelines must be followed by the parties. Nonetheless, he advises that where the law of the shop has been well-defined, drawing increasingly fine distinctions can end up lacking substantial difference, and can be counter-productive to the purpose of arbitration. He suggests that decisions be shortened and/or that they be discarded entirely where appropriate and where the parties have so agreed.