Mediation in the Resolution of Collective Bargaining Disputes

The chapter on mediation discusses the role and techniques used by mediators in the settlement of labor disputes. One of the fascinating aspects of the collective bargaining process is that the disputes are between people and groups of people. Because of the various ways people approach problems, mediators will use different approaches and techniques. They will offer proposals or make suggestions based on their experience in dealing with people in various industries or other organizations. There is a discussion about the pragmatic goals of the process, who the mediators are and how and when they get involved, how the parties should prepare for mediation, the need for coordination in negotiations, confidentiality, and timing during the process. The author uses his experience to discuss not only mediation in higher education but how it compares to mediation in other industries and in other forums, such as international, business, and matrimonial.