Methods of resolving disputes
Resolving disputes is a time consuming and expensive process.
Grievance procedures
- Grievance is when an employee thinks he or she has been treated in an unfair manner.
- Grievance Procedures are a number of steps to resolve a dispute or problem.
- The problem is generally resolved after discussions with parties involved.
Grievance procedure steps
- Write a formal letter or email
- Meet with your employer
- Gather evidence
- Make a decision
- Appeal the decision (optional)
Aim of grievance procedure
- Address issues between employees and employers
- Protect employees where possible
- Provide an objective approach to conflict resolution
- Reach fair resolutions to issues
Negotiation
- Negotiation is where parties involved to discuss the issues to reach a compromise.
- The aim is to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties and not to beat other parties.
Mediation
- Mediation is a neutral party (mediator) that helps to negotiate an agreement in a dispute.
- The mediator is to encourage all parties to examine the whole issue and not take any sides (free from bias) nor decide who is right or wrong.
Advantages of mediation
- It makes both parties feel that they have achieved something for themselves, making sure that it is a win-win situation.
- It is less expensive than going to a court.
- It may help restore the relationship between parties.
Conciliation
- This is similar to mediation, with suggested possible solutions.
- The focus of conciliation is more on the relationship, and mediation is more on the result.
Arbitration
- It is a legally binding decision made when parties cannot reach a resolution.
- An independent party makes a final decision such that both the parties have to accept the decision.