Mediation and Arbitration in the Public Sector

Mediation and arbitration are methods used to resolve disputes in the public sector without traditional court litigation. Mediation involves a neutral third party who facilitates open discussion between the involved parties to reach a voluntary agreement. Arbitration, on the other hand, involves a neutral arbitrator who listens to both sides and then makes a binding decision. Both processes aim to resolve conflicts efficiently, maintaining ongoing relationships and reducing legal costs. Mediation promotes cooperation, while arbitration provides a more definitive resolution when parties cannot agree on their own.