The process can be described as a facilitated search for agreement between disputing parties. Yes it does work. Conciliation is most effective when the parties have already tried to resolve the dispute themselves through meaningful discussion and negotiation at enterprise level. The task of the IRO is to assist them in their efforts to reach a mutually acceptable settlement to their dispute. To use the service employees need not be trade union members, nor do employers have to belong to a representative body.
Conciliation involves a series of meetings that usually take place on the same day.
The process starts with the IRO chairing a joint meeting of the parties representing the employees and the employer. The IRO then meets the parties separately. The first meeting enables the IRO to hear the parties assessment of the dispute. Subsequent meetings explore the possibilities for a settlement. The IRO treats as confidential all information received during the course of conciliation.