NCJ Number
95752
Journal
Labor Law Journal Volume: 33 Dated: (August 1982) Pages: 459-464
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Grievance mediation can serve a useful role in resolving disputes between labor and management over the interpretation and application of contract terms.
Abstract
Federal and State mediators were asked questions about the geographic areas using grievance mediation, industries in which grievance mediation is most often used, issues which appear to be the most suitable for resolution through grievance mediation, factors important to success in this mediation, perceived benefits, and prospects. The geographic areas where grievance mediation is apparently used the most are the Pacific States, Mid-Atlantic States, and the North Central States. In the States, grievance mediation is used most in the public sector, followed by the food, health care, construction, and aerospace industries. In the Federal sector, the lumber industry is the most significant user of grievance mediation. Federal mediators indicated that equal employment opportunity issues dominate grievance mediation. The interest dispute caseload of government mediators and dissatisfaction with regular arbitration are two factors perceived to be most important to successful grievance mediation. Defining the issue to be resolved is also crucial. Where grievance mediation has been used, the parties have derived some significant benefits from the experience, particularly the saving of time and money. Grievance mediation also makes labor and management more reliant on collective bargaining for resolving more of their problems. Footnotes which contain references are supplied.