Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that allows two or more disputing parties to resolve their conflict in a mutually agreeable way with the help of a neutral third party, a mediator.
The Workplace Mediation Service, which is provided by officers of the Workplace Relations Commission's (WRC) Conciliation and Advisory services, provides a prompt, confidential and effective remedy to workplace conflicts, disputes and disagreements. Workplace mediation is particularly suited to disputes involving individuals or small groups of workers. Examples of such disputes would be:
- 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)
- Industrial Relations issues which have not been the subject of a referral to a WRC Adjudication Officer (trade dispute), the WRC’s Conciliation Service or the Labour Court.
The Workplace Mediation Service is focused on assisting parties to deal effectively with issues that arise in the workplace. The provision of this service is subject to the availability of resources within the Workplace Relations Commission.
You may access a Referral Form seeking the assistance of the Mediation Service here.
A Workplace Relations Complaints eForm is available on the Refer a Dispute/Make a Complaint page.