The Tranzurban bus company and its drivers are headed to mediation in an attempt to resolve their ongoing dispute over working conditions. According to Kevin O’Sullivan, Wellington Tramways Union secretary, the union has agreed to mediation, but a strike is also planned.

There is no official date for mediation set at this point, but O’Sullivan believes mediation is proof that the company wants to move the issue forward. He accused the union of dragging its feet and stated that the strike is “… unnecessarily and unfairly punishing commuters.”

As a result of the strike, some buses  will not run on time and bus routes will be slower, but the company intends to manage the disruption as much as possible.

The union plans to continue the strike through at least November, assuming no agreement is reached by then.

The use of mediation in mass transit disputes is common.  It is also a tool used frequently in disputes involving public employees and governments, as well as companies because it settles disputes efficiently. Any time the public is relying on the services of a particular industry,  it is important to resolve matters as quickly as possible to avoid damage.

Mediation can be a confidential process and help sides come to a mutually agreed  solution. Instead of putting the court system in charge of a resolution, the two sides discuss the issue and come to terms without third-party control. The key to a successful mediation is both sides willingness to compromise and negotiate in good faith, and if the bus drivers and Tranzurban are able to do this, mediation could help them achieve their goals.