The mediator encourages each party to consider carefully the interests of the other party. He or she assists the parties in reaching an agreement by helping them to identify the issues, to explore and collaborate on possible bases for agreement, and to recognize the likely consequences of not settling the dispute through mediation. The parties alone decide whether to settle and on what terms. The mediator never imposes a decision. Mediation enables parties to resolve a workplace issue early, before undue time, energy and money are spent.
Mediation is voluntary.
Nothing happens during mediation without the parties' consent. Each party may withdraw from the process at any time. The mediator may also end the mediation if, for example, it appears that no resolution is possible. No decision is forced on the parties. With the help of the mediator, the parties themselves come up with the solutions that will meet their needs and interests.