The word ‘conciliation’ may be unfamiliar to you, but most people have a basic understanding of how a mediation or negotiation works. Conciliation is a similar process. A conciliation conference is an informal way of resolving disputes.
In the case of the Fair Work Commission, a conciliation conference is often (but not always) conducted via telephone and is intended to assist employers and employees to resolve disputes related to the employment relationship or termination of the employment relationship.
Conducting a conciliation conference to settle disputes is often successful, with the Fair Work Commission reporting that “4 out of 5 matters” reach a settlement at the conciliation stage. Disputes that are not resolved often go on to arbitration or, in some cases, an application is made to a Court to resolve the dispute.
Most conciliations conducted by the Fair Work Commission are scheduled for 90 minutes. Some conciliations are given additional time if the matter is more complex. The conciliation may be conducted by an experienced conciliator or a Commissioner.
If the dispute is successfully resolved at conciliation the resolution agreement is usually recorded in writing.
If you feel that a Fair Work Commission conciliation may be an option for you to resolve your workplace dispute, please call our Wangaratta office on (03) 5722 4681.
MORGAN COUZENS LEGAL
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