Labor Conflict Management

Labor dispute or labor conflict refers to a disagreement between an employer and a labor association, or between a federation of employers and a federation of employees. Conflicts and grievances are an unavoidable part of the employment relationship. Public policies aim to manage conflict and promote sound labor relations. Labor administration's primary objective is to establish labor dispute procedures in national legislation. Labor disputes can be resolved using a consensus-based process such as conciliation and mediation before choosing to resolve issues using arbitration and/or adjudication, or through a tribunal or labor court. Mediation is a structured and interactive process whereby a third party assists the parties in a dispute through the course of negotiations. Arbitration in case of labor conflicts involves resolution or settlement of a conflict through an independent party whose decision is final and binding upon both the parties. Taking the conflict to the court of law is the last option that can be used to resolve a labor dispute. This book examines labor conflicts and their management. It aims to serve as a resource guide for policy makers, scholars and practitioners in industrial relations and human resources management.