Mediation
The ‘Honest Broker’ - able to speak independently to the parties in a developing dispute, identify the key issues, then help to achieve a negotiated outcome.
With long experience of front line industrial relations with old fashioned shop stewards, and present day expertise in good employment practice, we can help to avoid painful (and costly) conflict.
Past experience includes:
1.
- Senior person unable to move his car from work car park, blocked in by another who is double-parked. Is in a hurry for important appointment.
Expresses his anger at (subordinate) colleague when she eventually appears and moves her (blocking) vehicle.
She claims racial and gender harassment.
No witnesses to the incident, but several character advocates for each party. - Resolution: (which involved several separate meetings)
Senior person exonerated of all claims of harassment. Gives apology for his anger.
Junior person drops all potential Grievances and undertakes to park properly in future.
2.
Manager exasperated by persistent lateness by an individual. Expresses anger, using some personally defamatory comments.
Individual lodges claim of harassment, and grievance.
Investigation into the circumstances, followed by separate then joint meetings with the parties established that the individual had complicated family responsibilities which dictated that the slightest traffic problem would cause lateness. Manager was unaware of family-friendly policies which should have been used to help find a flexible solution.
Resolution: Agreement reached that any lateness in future would be offset by reducton in lunch break.
Manager apologised unreservedly for emotional outburst.