How to Resolve Independent Contractor Disputes through Mediation

“This article has been produced by an independent contributor and does not reflect the views and opinions of the Immediation team or the brand as a whole.”

 

How to Resolve Independent Contractor Disputes through Mediation

When you hire an independent contractor, you are essentially entering into a business relationship with that person. And like any business relationship, there is always a potential for disputes to arise. Whether it’s over payment, the scope of work, or some other issue, disagreements between business partners are not uncommon.

Fortunately, mediation is a process that can help resolve these disputes in a mutually satisfactory way. Here’s a look at what mediation is, how it works, and why it can be an effective way to resolve independent contractor disputes.

 

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party (the mediator) helps two or more parties reach an agreement on a particular issue. The mediator does not make any decisions; rather, their role is to facilitate communication and help the parties reach a resolution that they are both happy with.

One of the advantages of mediation is that it allows the parties to have more control over the outcome than they would if they went to court. In addition, mediation is typically much faster and less expensive than litigation. And because the mediator is impartial, both sides can feel confident that they will be treated fairly throughout the process.

 

How Does Mediation Work?

The first step in mediation is for the mediator to meet with each party separately to get an understanding of their respective positions. The mediator will then bring the parties together to start discussing possible solutions to the problem. The goal is for the parties to come to an agreement that satisfies both sides. 

 

If the parties are unable to reach an agreement during mediation, they may choose to go to arbitration or litigation. However, because mediation gives both sides a chance to have their voices heard and be actively involved in finding a solution, it is often successful in resolving disputes without the need for further legal action. 

 

Why Mediate Independent Contractor Disputes? 

Independent contractor disputes can be particularly tricky because there is no employment relationship between the parties. This means that traditional methods of dispute resolution such as grievance procedures or human resources departments are not available. 

In addition, because independent contractors are not employees, they are not protected by many of the laws that govern employee-employer relationships (such as labour laws). 

This makes mediation an ideal solution for resolving disputes between independent contractors. It allows both sides to have their say without having to worry about being taken advantage of or treated unfairly. In addition, because mediation is typically faster and less expensive than going to court, it can save both parties time and money in the long run. 

If you find yourself in a dispute with an independent contractor, don’t hesitate to give mediation a try – it just might be the solution you’re looking for! 

 

Mediation can be an effective way for business owners to resolve disputes with independent contractors without incurring time and expense associated with litigation. If you find yourself in a dispute with an independent contractor, consider using mediation as a way to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution quickly and efficiently!

 

Are you facing the prospect of mediation yourself?

The team of legal and technical experts at Immediation are here to help guide you through the mediation process and reach the best possible outcome. You can do it 100% online or opt to use a managed service where the Immediation personnel do everything for you, from start to finish.

Mediation is a good first step in the dispute resolution process. It’s Immediation’s goal to help you sustain your business relationships, while resolving the matter quickly and professionally.

Want to know more, or enquire about your business dispute? Simply fill out the form on the contact page and they’ll be in touch.