The economic challenges triggered by COVID-19 impact have led to an increase in disputes in Timor-Leste. The absence of a legislative foundation for mediation procedure has caused widespread misunderstanding regarding the roles of mediation and a crucial shortage of capacity and skills among mediators.

Recognizing the urgent need of dispute settlement mechanism in the country, therefore, the ILO conducted a three-day Mediation Skills Training for mediators and counsellors held in Dili from 12-14 December. The training programme aimed to enhance their knowledge and skills in industrial relations, dispute resolutions, effective communication and social dialogue.

A total of 40 participants joined the training, representing 25 mediators from the Industrial Relation Department of the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training (SEFOPE) and 15 counsellors from Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL) and Chambers of Commerce and Industry Timor-Leste (CCI-TL).

Facilitated by the ILO, the training session addressed both theoretical and practical aspects of industrial relations and dispute resolution. Various issues covered during the training ranging from productivity and decent work, effective communication and social dialogue, strategy to dispute prevention and resolution, to conflict resolution, labour dispute mediation and collective bargaining. Meanwhile, the practical exercises provided an opportunity for the participants to experience the role of mediator and to reach win-win dispute resolution.

Highlighting the importance of bipartite collaborations through social dialogues, Arun Kumar, ILO’s Specialist on Industrial Relations, presented that countries with good social dialogues were able to deal with employment issues such as the pandemic COVID-19. “In Singapore, for example, its tripartite committee are able to manage excessive workforce due to the pandemic, while in Japan, employers’ and workers’ organization have come into an agreement to apply flexible working system in order to avoid lay-offs,” shared Arun.

Appreciating the benefits gained from the training for local mediators in Timor-Leste, Angelo Veloso, National Director of Industrial Relation Department of SEFOPE said that the training programme has improved the capacity of mediators to deal with disputes and find the best resolution. “This training is very useful for our mediators to better assist the bargaining partners in resolving labour disputes and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes without resorting to the court system,” he said.

Similarly, Manecas Gomes, one of the SEFOPE’s mediators, expressed his appreciation for having a better understanding about the significant role of mediators. “I learn how to effectively communicate with individuals involved in a dispute. I am now equipped with necessary tools to carry out my responsibilities as a mediator more proficiently,” he added.