The impact of mediation practice on the resolution of grievances, the preservation of employment relationships and termination

'While many [employment disputes] are resolved informally, an increasing number progress into external resolution procedures such as mediation. While these procedures seek to resolve grievances and preserve employment relationships, many end with termination' (Walker and Hamilton, 2015). This paper explores how mediation practice might be affected by each of the three purposes outlined above: resolution of grievances, preservation of employment relationships and termination? The paper also draws upon the literature on employment mediation to consider the ethical and practical consequences of these distinct goals.