The Workplace Relations Commission provides mediation to a range of service users. Mediation and its delivery provides for a confidential, professional, efficient and effective service in order to assist all parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement or outcome to a dispute or claim which can also and often provides for the avoidance of participation in a formal adjudication or other third party process.
The propelling nature and principles in the delivery of this service are guided by the impartial manner and conduct of the mediators as to the content and outcome of the process; the respect shown by the mediator to all parties participating in the process; the adherence to the confidential nature of the process and the ability of all parties to effectively control the outcome and the solution emanating from the process.
The mediation service is provided by a cross-divisional team of trained professional mediation officers and is free to all users.
The WRC Mediation Code of Practice and Ethics is available by clicking this link
The WRC provides mediation as follows:
Mediation in Employment Rights/Unequal Treatment and Discrimination Claims
The mediation service affords employees appropriate access to its mediation service in circumstances where assistance is sought in respect of claims of infringements to employment rights; it also provides access to the public in respect of claims involving unequal treatment and discrimination claims in the civil and public service. This form of mediation seeks to arrive at a solution through an agreement between the parties, rather than through an investigation or hearing or formal decision where a formal complaint has been lodged with the WRC for Adjudication.
How can you access Mediation?
Step 1: When completing the online complaint form, you need to select the option to avail of the mediation service.
Step 2: The WRC will contact the respondent to see if they are willing to engage in mediation
Step 3: If both parties agree to mediation the WRC will decide on the approach to be taken i.e. telephone mediation or Face to Face mediation.
Step 4: In the case of telephone based mediation the mediator will contact the complainant and respondent. In the case of face to face mediation the WRC will contact the parties to arrange a mutually convenient date and location in order to facilitate meeting arrangements.
The WRC Pre-Adjudication Mediation Frequently Asked Questions is available by clicking this link.
Mediation/Facilitation - Internal Workplace Issues
Workplace Mediation/Facilitation is provided on an ad hoc basis and delivered in a prompt, confidential and effective manner as an alternative remedy to workplace conflicts, disputes and disagreements. It is particularly suited to disputes involving individuals or small groups of workers who find themselves dealing with situations which may involve the following:
- Interpersonal differences, conflicts, difficulties in working together
- Breakdown in a working relationship
- Issues arising from a grievance and disciplinary procedure (particularly before a matter becomes a disciplinary issue)
- Mediation is included as a voluntary stage in some grievance or dignity at work procedures and the WRC is nominated as the provider of a mediation service in some organisations. The WRC is available to discuss a similar arrangement with other public bodies or private companies.
How do I Apply for Workplace Mediation?
Applications for mediation should ideally be made on a joint basis. The process will work best when all parties have a desire for resolution and have jointly agreed that mediation is the best means to secure that resolution.
There are three ways to request the assistance of the Workplace Mediation Services:
- By writing to the Conciliation, Advisory and Mediation Services, Workplace Relations Commission, Lansdowne House, Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4, D04 A3A8. or
- By using the online Mediation referral form
- By contacting mediation service team at mediation@workplacerelations.ie.