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Labor Dispute
Introduction
Labor disputes are disputes between employers and employees which arise out of an employer’s desire to change the pay, contractual conditions, working patterns, hours of work, job security, or some other aspect of the employment contract(s). Such disputes often result in labor stoppages, strikes, and lockouts which can have large economic and political consequences.
Mediation
When labor disputes arise, the first step is often to work out a fair settlement through mediation. This is a process of negotiation between the parties where the parties attempt to come to an amicable agreement in a spirit of goodwill. Mediation can be used to resolve a dispute without going to court.
Arbitration
If the parties are unable to agree through mediation, the next step is often to move to an arbitration process. This is a process conducted by an impartial third-party arbitration panel, who will listen to both sides and make a ruling which is final and binding on the parties.
Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining is an alternative process for resolving labor disputes which involves negotiations between a representative collective of employees (such as a union) and the employer in order to reach an agreement over the terms of employment.
Court Action
If all other methods of resolving the dispute fail, the parties can take the dispute to court. This can be a lengthy and costly course of action and is usually seen as a last resort.
Conclusion
Labor disputes have the potential to have a far reaching impact on all parties involved, both social and economic. It is important, therefore, to resolve labor disputes as quickly and amicably as possible, either through a mutually agreed process such as mediation or arbitration, or collective bargaining, or through court action if necessary.
