Mediation not always the answer

Despite being an Alternative Dispute Resolution expert, Steve Gibbeson, training manager for the Australian Commercial Disputes Centre (ACDC) has recommended that HR practitioners tread carefully around the issue. Gibbeson has said that while remarkable solutions are created every day from mediation, an organisation cannot expect durable and informed agreements when another mechanism is necessary before, or instead of, mediation. Jane Seymour, partner with workplace law firm Australian Business Lawyers, claims that the demand for mediation, conciliation and facilitation services will increase in the wake of the WorkChoices industrial relations reforms. According to Gibbeson, ACDC considers that mediation is not suitable in a several common situations.

Aussie workers shun WorkChoices rallies,ACCI claims

According to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) – a long-time critic of opposition to WorkChoices – approximately 98 per cent of Australia’s 10 million employees did not participate in the rallies held around the country. It also claimed that a large proportion of rally goers were state public servants and regular union and political activists. The ACCI has also bizarrely claimed the ‘national day of action’ did not create one new job.

Annual Women’s Conference

The 18th Women, Management and Employment Relations Conference on workplace relations, negotiation and equal opportunity will be held on 27-28 July 2006 at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney. Established in 1989 by the Labour-Management Studies Foundation (LMSF), the conference will cover topics including new trends in employment relations, age discrimination, managing distress at work, leadership as women’s business and other key topics highlighting the valuable contribution made by women in the workplace. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Senator Helen Coonan and Ann Sherry, AO, of Westpac Banking Corporation. For further information visit www.lmsf.mq.edu.au/wmer