Their effectiveness derives from their acceptability to both parties, their broad knowledge and experience in the process of collective bargaining, and their status as respected neutrals. It means the parties to the negotiation are using a tried and true resource available to them to improve their bargaining, to create an environment in which people are more likely to listen. Mediation can add a lot to the bargaining before the final offers hits the table, or the parties hit an obstacle and progress is stalled. Mediation is an integral part of the collective bargaining process. Help clarify and crystallize issues and differences.
Mediators try to deal in the world of interests rather than positions.
Frequently, the parties both want a similar outcome. They just have a different view of how to get there, or sometimes, they just phrase it differently. Often, their goals are separate, but not contradictory. When the parties understand the underlying interests that drive bargaining positions, they can identify and agree on matters that are not really in dispute and then focus on the real issues that separate them. Help the parties define the problem.