Mediation + Arbitration
Grievance mediation with an independent mediator.
Rima Zamat
Mediator & Arbitrator
Grievance mediation gives the employer and the union a voluntary, informal way to try to resolve a grievance before it goes to arbitration. When retained as a mediator, Rima Zamat acts independently and impartially and does not represent either party.
Appointments in provincial workplace disputes in Ontario and federal workplace disputes across Canada.
Appointments
Mediation appointments.
- Grievance mediation
- Collective agreement disputes
- Labour-relations mediation
- Employment mediation
- Workplace disputes
Key points
How grievance mediation works.
Grievance mediation is a voluntary, informal way to resolve disputes about the interpretation, application or administration of a collective agreement before the grievance goes to an arbitrator.
The mediator is neutral and works with the employer and the union to try to resolve the grievance. The mediator does not issue a final and binding decision.
The parties may retain a private mediator rather than a mediator appointed by the Ministry.
Mediation does not affect either party's ability to start or continue arbitration, but the grievance timelines in the collective agreement still apply.
Under section 50 of Ontario's Labour Relations Act, 1995, the parties may agree to refer grievances to a single mediator-arbitrator, who decides the grievance by arbitration if mediation does not resolve it.
Source: Labour Relations Act, 1995, S.O. 1995, c. 1, Sched. A
Mediator & Arbitrator
Independence matters.
When retained as a mediator or arbitrator, Rima acts independently and impartially and does not represent either party. All appointments are subject to appropriate conflict and independence screening.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is grievance mediation binding?
No. The mediator helps the parties reach their own settlement and does not decide the grievance. If mediation does not resolve it, the grievance can still go to arbitration.
Do both parties have to agree to mediation?
Yes. Grievance mediation is voluntary, and Ontario's Labour Relations Act, 1995 does not require the parties to take part in it.
Does mediation pause the grievance timelines?
No. The parties must still meet the grievance timelines in their collective agreement while mediation is underway.
How is Rima Zamat appointed?
Contact the practice with the names of the parties and the nature of the dispute. Appointment is subject to confirmation and to conflict and independence screening, and contacting the practice does not by itself create an appointment.
Related reading
Start a conversation
Looking for a mediator or arbitrator?
Tell us about the dispute and the parties. Appointment is subject to confirmation and to conflict and independence screening.