A constant to and fro of ideas and provisions on conditions and pay have become an undercurrent to the headlines.

Negotiating work pay and conditions is a democratic right and unions have given workers a voice to ensure they get a fair outcome for their respective work.

However, this dispute has been so long-running that a sense of fatigue has gathered around it like a shroud.

Every time it looked like a deal was about to be signed, sealed and delivered, something would throw a spanner in the works and you'd end up back at the drawing board.

While no one is denying that our teachers and nurses have some of the hardest jobs on the planet, and their conditions (particularly for nurses) are difficult, the negotiations have been failed by the unwillingness of both parties to "negotiate in good faith".

There have been several sticking points to the negotiations, on both sides of the fence, and backflips that gymnasts would envy.

Negotiations by their nature are a back and forth discussion to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome.

What has been lacking during these negotiations has been flexibility and understanding of both sides' ideals.

There has been a lot of blame, from both sides, and a lot of back and forth over who should shoulder that blame.

Played out in the public eye, the negotiations have not shown flexibility but what will happen when both sides dig their heels in without even giving the members a say.

The referral of the negotiations to the Industrial Commission may signal a circuit-breaker moment for the negotiations but it's disappointing that it got to this point.

Negotiation should be able to occur without the need for arbitration.

However, maybe now an independent set of eyes is what's needed to ensure this dispute comes to a positive resolution for all parties involved.

As the saying goes, maybe all those involved can't see the forest for the trees.