Section 118: Settlement through mediation

1) The concerned party may, in the following circumstance, make an application to the Office for the settlement of collective claims and demands through mediation:

(a) Where the employer fails to give a notice to the collective bargaining committee for negotiations within the period referred to in sub-section (1) of Section 117, or

(b) Where an agreement could not be reached upon negotiation held pursuant to sub-section (3) of Section 117 not later than twenty-one days from the date of submission of claims, demands.

Provided that nothing shall be deemed to bar the extending of the said period with the consent of the parties in cases where the negotiation is going on.

2) In the event of receipt of an application pursuant to sub-section (1), the Office shall summon the presence of the concerned parties and settle the dispute through mediation.

3) The mediation proceeding referred to in sub-section (2) shall be completed not later than thirty days from the date of receipt by the Office of the application.

Provided that nothing shall be deemed to bar the extending of the said period with the consent of the parties in cases where the negotiation is going on.

4) The dispute relating to the collective claims, demands shall be settled if an agreement is reached between both the parties upon the negotiation held in presence of the Office pursuant to sub-section (3).

5) The agreement made pursuant to sub-section (4) shall be binding for the concerned parties.