Mediation is a process where an impartial third party, the mediator, assists the parties in finding a settlement to their dispute. Grievances are often resolved via arbitrations, which might settle the instant issue but not the underlying issues.
- Over 85% of grievances submitted to mediation over a 25-year period were settled1.
- Mediation is much cheaper than arbitration ($989 v. $4893)2.
- Unlike arbitration and litigation, mediation is not an adversarial process. The mediators help the parties satisfy their interests and needs while fully maintaining their rights.
- Mediation is designed to repair or maintain relationships, especially important in a setting where the parties cannot "divorce."
- Complements, does not replace arbitration. Unsuccessful mediations can still proceed to arbitration.
- Mediation helps parties avoid adverse, precedential arbitration decisions that they will be stuck with for years.
- Mediation is confidential and "off the record."
- Mediation can be scheduled anytime, before or after a grievance is filed.
- Attorneys and other support people can be part of the mediation process.
- Mediation can also be helpful in intra-party disputes, for instance between union members/leadership and affiliated unions under the same management.
QADRE offers two types of mediation programs:
- An expedited/fixed cost mediation program in which you choose the date for the mediation and we will choose and confirm a mediator from our roster within 48 hours.
- A party-selected mediation program where the parties choose the mediator and pay the mediator's market rate.
Visit the QADRE Mediation Program page for more details.
1. MREP Report
2. Mediation values from 2014 MREP report. Arbitration values from 2015 FMCS report.