Online Course on Conciliation / Mediation of Labour Disputes

The course was designed with the aim to provide participants with sound theoretical knowledge and skills on the key topics related to conciliation / mediation of labour disputes. The course was delivered online, from 6 until 24 June 2022. It lasted three weeks and foresaw an overall time involvement of approximately 35 hours. Participants were given access to a dedicated e-platform on the eCampus, the e-learning portal of the ITCILO. On this e-platform, participants could find video lectures, readings and other learning resources and activities related to the course sessions. Every week, between two and three live sessions (one per module) lasting two hours were organised using Zoom. The learning was interactive and facilitated by the course tutors. It included theoretical explanations complemented by practical exercises, individual reflection tasks, plenary discussions, group works and other interactive activities. OBJECTIVES This course aimed to: • Provide sound theoretical and practical knowledge of the key principles of the conciliation / mediation processes; • Strengthen the understanding and analyse the role and functions of the conciliator / mediator; • Provide techniques and guidance on how to improve the role of conciliators / mediators; • Foster knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices related to conciliation / mediation; • Promote the application of key ILO principles and values on this matter. CONTENT The sessions given during the course included the following topics: • Principles of conciliation / mediation; • The conflict dynamic; • Process management skills; • Problem management skills; • Effective people skills; • The process of conciliation / mediation. • Effective qualities and skills of a conciliator / mediator; • Psuchology of conciliation / mediation. ACHIEVEMENT Participants recognized the key elements and principles of conciliation / mediation and the different phases of this process. In addition, they understood how to manage conflicts and the different approaches to address them. They also gained new knowledge about the role and function of a neutral third party and the effective skills necessary to be successful in the conciliation / mediation process. Lastly the acquired knowledge of psychology of conciliation / mediation.