ADJUDICATORS (ARBITRATORS) ACTING AS MEDIATORS: AN EXPERIMENT IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION AT THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAFF RELATIONS BOARD OF CANADA

GEORGE T. SULZNER


DOI: 10.2190/NG1W-4MYE-W5EY-DBUX

Abstract

This article discusses the changes that took place at Canada's Public Service Staff Relations Board from 1999 to the present. During that time, a pilot project moved the process for handling labor-management disputes from adjudication (called arbitration in the United States) to mediation. The results of the pilot program were encouraging, with 85 percent (347) of the cases dealt with by mediation, and only 15 percent (63) going to adjudication hearings. Participants' responses substantiated the success of the change. Evidence included improved communication between the parties and satisfaction with the mediators and the results of mediation.

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