What is the role of a conciliation officer of the Department of Labour in grievance mediation?
Conciliation officers of the Department of Labour, in addition to assisting with collective bargaining, are also involved in the grievance arbitration process as mediators. Grievance mediation is a process where representatives of the union and the employer meet with a grievance mediator to attempt to resolve a grievance prior to arbitration. In grievance mediation, the parties directly involved in the dispute make the final decision as to how the grievance is going to be resolved. They are also responsible for enforcing the settlement that is reached. If no settlement is reached, both parties are free to proceed to arbitration as set out in their collective agreement or as provided for under the Act.
