Towards improved, effective dispute settlement mechanism in Timor-Leste

Fifty three mediators representing the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), workers’ and employers’ organizations of Timor-Leste participated at the Tripartite Dialogue and Capacity Building for Strengthening Mediation as Dispute Resolution Mechanism in Dili from 8-9 July. The training was part of the implementation of the Timor-Leste’s Decent Work Country Programme 2016-2020, emphasizing the promotion of good labour market governance institutions.

The main goals of the training were to strengthen the capacity of the tripartite mediators in promoting tripartite dialogue and to make the best use of mediation as dispute resolution mechanism. The training also aimed to strengthen bipartite dialogues between workers and employers as a way to move towards better and improved workplace cooperation, bipartite dispute resolution and collective bargaining.

Mediation is an effective means of dispute resolution. The mediation provides a forum and an atmosphere in which parties can work together and have a good understanding about each other to explore options for the win-win resolution."

Angelo Veloso, Director of Labour Relation of SEFOPE

Some challenges faced by Timor-Leste in relations to mediation was that although dispute resolution mechanism, including mediation, already existed in the Labour Law No. 4/2012, neither the procedures nor the standards of mediation were clear. Moreover, trade unions considered the capacity of mediators were not adequate enough to solve the dispute fairly and effectively.

Therefore, Angelo Veloso, Director of Labour Relation of SEFOPE highly appreciated the assistance and support given by the ILO to strengthen and improve the mediation process. “Mediation is an effective means of dispute resolution. The mediation provides a forum and an atmosphere in which parties can work together and have a good understanding about each other to explore options for the win-win resolution,” he said.

Mediation in many countries is seen as fast, flexible and cheaper option compared to legal adjudication. The ILO believe that mediation can be an effective dispute settlement in Timor-Leste."

Albert Uriyo, the ILO’s OIC Head of Mission in Timor-Leste

Meanwhile Albert Uriyo, the ILO’s OIC Head of Mission in Timor-Leste, reminded the participants about the high cost of labour disputes, affecting not only workers and employers but also the economy. “Mediation in many countries is seen as fast, flexible and cheaper option compared to legal adjudication. The ILO believe that mediation can be an effective dispute settlement in Timor-Leste,” stated Albert.

With improved capacities of the mediators, it is hoped that industrial dispute resolutions will be strengthened. The training concluded with the follow-up plan to develop a manual guideline on mediation and to conduct a follow-up trainings for the mediators.