When contract talks in collective bargaining negotiations reach a standstill, mediation is sometimes used to help both sides find a path forward.

In mediation, a neutral third party — called a mediator — works with the union and the employer to help move discussions along. In our case, Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers are the two mediators who are facilitating the discussions between your bargaining committee and the employer – the provincial government’s Public Service Agency (PSA).

Vince Ready is a widely respected mediator, with over 40-years’ experience mediating complex labour disputes from across Canada. He has arbitrated and/or mediated over 5,000 labour disputes, and is probably best known for successfully negotiating a settlement in the 2014 dispute between the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the provincial government. Amanda Rogers is an arbitrator, mediator, and lawyer who specializes in workplace dispute resolution .

In the mediation process, the mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions. Instead, they help both parties clarify their positions, identify areas of agreement, and look for ways to close the gap on key issues.

Mediation can involve separate meetings with each side, as well as joint sessions where both parties meet together. It’s meant to support progress — but it only works if both sides come in good faith and are ready to make meaningful moves toward a fair deal.

In our case, mediation was requested by government through the Labour Relations Board, and mediators Ready and Rogers were assigned to help guide the process. It is important to note that we have entered non-binding mediation – this means that any tentative agreement will be brought to you, the members, for a vote before it is finalized. 

Mediation is one step on the path to a fair agreement — and your solidarity continues to be what drives real progress.