Employment Mediation Services. The Employment Mediation Services is a free and independent service available through MBIE. This service helps to resolve employment relationship problems and generally to promote the smooth conduct of employment relationships. Mediation is a mutual problem solving process, with the aim of reaching an agreement, assisted by an independent third party. If the parties can’t reach a settlement they can ask the mediator, in writing, to make a final and binding decision. A settlement reached through mediation and signed by the mediator at the request of the parties is final, binding and enforceable. Neither party can then take the matter any further and either party can be made to comply with the agreed settlement by court order. If the problem is unresolved through mediation either party may apply to have the matter dealt with by the Employment Relations Authority.
Employment Mediation Services. The Employment Mediation Services is a free and independent service available through MBIE. This service helps to resolve employment relationship problems and generally to promote the smooth conduct of employment relationships. Mediation is a mutual problem solving process, with the aim of reaching an agreement, assisted by an independent third party. If the parties can’t reach a settlement they can ask the mediator, in writing, to make a final and binding decision. A settlement reached through mediation and signed by the mediator at the request of the parties is final, binding and enforceable. Neither party can then take the matter any further and either party can be made to comply with the agreed settlement by court order. If the problem is unresolved through mediation either party may apply to have the matter dealt with by the Employment Relations Authority. • The Employment Relations Authority This Authority is an investigative body that operates in an informal way. It looks into the facts and makes a decision on the merits of the case and not on the legal technicalities. Either an employer or an employee can refer an unresolved employment relationship problem to the Authority by filing the appropriate forms. The Authority may call evidence, hold investigative meetings, or interview anyone involved. It can direct the parties to try mediation. If mediation is unsuitable or has not resolved the problem, the Authority will make a decision that is binding on all parties. Any party can contest the Authority’s decision through the Employment Court.
