Mediation and the requirement to act in good faith, are cornerstones of the Employment Relations Act. The objective is to build productive employment relationships through the promotion of good faith in all aspects of the employment environment. This includes promoting mediation as the primary problem solving mechanism. Further, the Act recognises that, if problems in employment relationships are to be resolved promptly, expert problem-solving support, information, and assistance needs to be available at short notice to the parties to those relationships.

Mediation services under the Employment Relations Act 2000 are provided by the Department of Labour. Mediation services are available to any employer or employee with an employment relations problem. Mediation is simple, effective, free and fair.

This free booklet from the Department of Labour starts at the point where you believe you have a problem and decide to seek help. It is important to get help as soon as a problem emerges. Don’t wait until it has become significant and your employment relationship is damaged.