§ 700. Findings and policy. In the interpretation and application of
this article, and otherwise, it is hereby declared to be the public
policy of the state to encourage the practice and procedure of
collective bargaining, and to protect employees in the exercise of full
freedom of association, self-organization and designation of
representatives of their own choosing for the purposes of collective
bargaining, or other mutual aid and protection, free from the
interference, restraint or coercion of their employers.

It is also hereby declared as the public policy of this state that the
best interests of the people of the state are served by the prevention
or prompt settlement of labor disputes and that the voluntary resolution
of such disputes will tend to promote permanent industrial peace and the
health, welfare, comfort and safety of the people of the state.
Representatives of employers and employees engaged in such disputes are
encouraged voluntarily to submit them to the agency created by this
article prior to engaging in a strike, lock-out or other cessation of
employment; and should participate fully and promptly in any meetings
which may be arranged by the agency for the purpose of resolving the
dispute.

To carry out such policy, the necessity for the enactment of the
provisions of this article is hereby declared as a matter of legislative
determination.

All the provisions of this article shall be liberally construed for
the accomplishment of this purpose.

This article shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the
state for the protection of the public welfare, prosperity, health and
peace of the people of the state.