3. Mediation.
If die peer review does not lead to a settlement, a neutral party from outside the organization hears the case and tries to help the people in conflict arrive at a settlement. The process is not binding, meaning the mediator cannot force a solution.
Mediation, as used in law, is a form of alternative dispute resolution [ADR], a way of resolving disputes between two or more parties. A third party, the mediator, assists the parties to negotiate their own settlement [facilitative mediation]. In some cases, mediators may express a view on what might be a fair or reasonable settlement, generally where all the parties agree that the mediator may do so [evaluative mediation].
The process is private and confidential. The presence of a mediator is the key distinguishing feature of the process. There may be no obligation to go to mediation, but in some cases, any settlement agreement signed by the parties to a dispute will be binding on them.
4. Arbitration.
If mediation fails, a professional arbitrator from outside the organization hears the case and resolves it by making a decision. Most arbitrators are experienced employment lawyers or retired judges. The employee and employer both have to accept the person's decision.
Arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution [ADR], is a legal technique for the resolution of disputes outside the courts, where the parties to a dispute refer it to one or more persons [the "arbitrators", "arbiters" or "arbitral tribunal"], by whose decision [the "award"] they agree to be bound. It is a settlement technique in which a third party reviews the case and imposes a decision that is legally binding for both sides.
What are the advantages of arbitration?
Similar to mediation, arbitration as an alternative to litigation can allow for the saving of time and money to resolve a dispute. The parties can set limits on discovery and the issues to be decided by the arbitrator. These limitations can affect who will testify at the arbitration and what type of evidence will be allowed. The parties have more control of the arbitration process compared to court administered litigation, including where and when the hearing will be conducted. Monetary limits can also be set preventing an arbitration award from exceeding a certain value or assuring that a minimum monetary recovery is obtained.
Each stage reflects a somewhat broader involvement of people outside the dispute. The hope is that the conflict will be resolved at earlier stages, at which the costs, time, and impact of employees and other organizational stakeholders are lowest.
Mediation vs Arbitration
Mediation and Arbitration are generally contractually agreed upon substitutes for resolving disputes as opposed to resorting to a court to resolve it. The purpose and goals of Mediation and Arbitration, however, are quite different and often misunderstood.
The purpose of Mediation is to have the parties sit down with a neutral third party who tries to facilitate a monetary or other settlement to the dispute. Neither party has a legal obligation to settle the dispute, and any statements made during a Mediation are not admissible evidence in the event no settlement is reached. Mediation can be a highly efficient, cost effective tool. It can conclude quickly or it can take several hours as the mediator conducts multiple rounds of shuttle diplomacy between the parties. After many hours the parties feel personally invested in the process and neither wishes to leave without settling the dispute. It is important to remember, however, that because the mediator’s job is to get a settlement, regardless of its terms, it is up to you to determine if you can live with the settlement terms. In the event the Mediation fails and an Arbitration provision is not contained in the contract, you can enforce your rights in a court of law.
Binding Arbitration provisions, on the other hand, are a substitute for the formal process of a court. Binding Arbitration is typically conducted in front of one or three arbitrators and the Arbitration is much like a mini trial with rules of evidence. Arbitration typically proceeds somewhat faster than a case in court, and typically at a somewhat lower cost in attorney time and expense. The result of the Arbitration is final.
MEDIATION . . .
Is a facilitated negotiation process
Is an informal amicable resolution
Allows the parties to clear the air and resolve misunderstandings
Provides assistance from the Mediator to move forward
Give both parties full control over the final resolution
Is conducted by an experienced Mediation Officer who makes no decisions effecting the parties
Resolution is NOT mandatory; parties can still go to Arbitration
Is a Win-Win situation
ARBITRATION . . .
Is NOT a negotiation process; it is a structured hearing
Is a formal procedure decided by a hearing panel
Allows the structured presentation of evidence, testimony and witnesses
Gives the Panel full authority to decide the outcome
Gives full control to the Hearing Panel
Is conducted by a panel of experienced REALTORS who make the final decision and the award
Hearing Panel decision is final
Is a Win-Lose situation