Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes
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Online
Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes
23 June–11 July 2025
The course is available in English
Key features
LEARN DIFFERENTLY
Innovative training methodologies and integrated use of digital learning technology
JOIN A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Join a virtual community of conciliation/mediation professionals from across the world to share knowledge and experiences
CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION
Successful participants will be awarded an ITCILO Certificate of Participation
Introduction to the course
Consensus-based conflict resolution methods can offer quick and effective solutions to labour disputes. The place of adversarial rights-based processes is not in question. However, there is growing recognition of the value of effective consensus-based dispute resolution methods, including conciliation/mediation. An agreement reached through conciliation/mediation usually benefits all parties involved.
Firstly, it creates an opportunity for disputing parties to find a mutually beneficial solution to a dispute when negotiation has failed. Secondly, the intervention of an independent conciliator/mediator often helps parties reduce the extent of their differences, establishing the foundations of a more cooperative relationship. Finally, when parties have agreed on the terms of the resolution to a dispute instead of having a decision imposed upon them by a third party, they are much more likely to comply with that outcome.
Guided by the principles and values of the ILO, this course aims to provide participants with a set of solid skills and thorough knowledge of conflict resolution, with a specific focus on conciliation/mediation. Participants will explore the conflict dynamic. They will learn the different approaches to conflict resolution and the fundamental principles of conciliation/ mediation. Furthermore, they will familiarize themselves with the ITCILO four-step suggested conciliation/mediation process, develop and refine their soft skills.
Who attends this course?
The course is designed for staff of labour-dispute agencies and of ministries of labour involved in dispute prevention and resolution, employers' and workers' representatives, industrial relations experts and practitioners, labour lawyers, as well as conciliators/mediators.
Important requirement:
All participants must be fluent in English, have a stable internet connection and all necessary equipment to take part in the live sessions (good internet connection, laptop or device with camera, microphone and audio setting).
What topics does this course cover?
- Conflict dynamic and conflict management
- Principles of conciliation/mediation
- Soft skills for conciliation/mediation
- Process management skills
- Problem management skills
- People skills
- Role-plays and practical exercises on conciliation/mediation.
What will I be able to do?
The course aims to:
- Increase your technical knowledge of the foundational principles of the process of conciliation/mediation.
- Strengthen your understanding and analysis of the role and functions of the conciliator/mediator guided by experienced tutors.
- Develop and apply key skills and techniques as conciliator/mediator thanks to the practical learning methodology.
- Share knowledge and experience with peers and colleagues with different professional backgrounds and coming from all over the world thanks to group exercises and interactive activities.
Why should I join?
During the course, you will be able to:
- Put learning into practice thanks to the latest practical and interactive learning methodologies.
- Receive guidance and feedback from experienced tutors, who are internationally recognised conciliators/mediators.
- Join and interact with a diverse network of professionals engaging in issues related to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and conciliation/mediation.
- Be exposed to a mix of training methods: lectures, plenary discussions, good practices, case studies, group work, and individual exercises.
Structure and methodology
This course is the standard course on conciliation/mediation of labour disputes. It lasts three weeks and foresees an overall time involvement of approximately 35 hours.
Participants will be given access to a dedicated e-learning platform, the ITCILO e-Campus portal, accessible through a computer or any portable device.
On this e-platform, participants will find the resources and the activities related to the modules of the course. The learning will be interactive and facilitated by a tutor, who will provide guidance and clarifications on topics and activities.
The course live sessions will take place on Tuesday and Thursday during the daytime (Italy time). Attendance to the live sessions is mandatory and will be recorded. A minimum of 75% active participation (with the camera turned on) in the live sessions is required to obtain the course certificate. Participants are expected to make all necessary arrangements to be able to regularly attend the sessions. Specifically, they should make sure to have a stable internet connection, a laptop or a computer with working video and audio settings (camera, microphone, and headset), and that the sessions are conducted in a suitable environment.
At the end of the course, participants will be asked to complete a final coursework consisting of an essay, which will offer them the possibility to receive a Certificate of Participation.
The successful completion of this standard course on conciliation/mediation is a requirement to attend the Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes.
Language
The entire training program will be conducted in English. Therefore, a good command of this language is required.
Attendance requirements
All participants are required to have a stable internet connection and all necessary equipment to take part in the live sessions (laptop or device with camera, microphone, and audio setting). A minimum of 75% active participation (with the camera turned on) in the live sessions is a requirement to complete the course.
Registration
To apply for this course, please click on the "Apply now" button and fill out the online form before the application deadline.
If your application is sponsored by your Institution, you will be required to attach a sponsorship letter, covering the course fees.
Applications will be reviewed through a standardized selection process. Successful candidates will be notified individually.
Payment and withdrawal
Payment can be processed by bank transfer or credit card through an electronic payment link. The total price of this training activity must be paid in advance by the participant or his/her sponsoring organization.
If an enrolled participant wishes or must withdraw from a course, they must notify the Centre, in writing, of their decision at least 14 days prior to the start date of the course. Cancellation of participation in regular courses will result in penalties. For more details on this matter, please check our payment and cancellation policy webpage.
My learning journey through the course was highly enriching and provided me with essential tools and practical knowledge for effectively managing and resolving labor disputes through conciliation and mediation. The course enhanced my understanding of the complexities of social dialogue and equipped me with strategies to promote constructive communication between workers and employers. The importance of social dialogue is growing as the global economy becomes more interconnected and complex, with diverse stakeholders and interests.
Elza Jgerenaia
Director of the Department of labor and Employment NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
#Conciliation/mediation #Consensus-based conflict resolution #Labour disputes #Conciliation/mediation #Conflict dynamic #Conflict management #Soft skills #Process management skills #Alternative dispute resolution
Start learning about this topic
You can download and read the recommended publication "Professional conciliation in collective labour disputes: a practical guide"
