The revised Labour Law introduces major changes in the procedures and mechanisms for resolution of various types of labour disputes. In the case of a collective labour disputes, the new law requires the parties to first negotiate toward an agreement and make every effort to resolve the dispute by amicable way.
If no agreement can be reached, the dispute shall be settled with the support of a Labour Mediator. If parties cannot reach the decision on appointment of a Labour Mediator, the General Authority for Labour is able to appoint a Labour Mediator.
If a labor dispute cannot be resolved with the participation of the Labour Mediator, the disputing party is able to apply to the Tripartite Labour and Social Partnership Committee to resolve the dispute through formal Labour Arbitration. The relevant Tripartite Labour and Social Partnership Committee shall establish a Labour Arbitration panel consisting of three arbitrators to consider the dispute. The decision of the Labour Arbitration shall be final with no opportunity to appeal. The disputing party shall not appeal to the court unless there is cause for concern that the Labour Arbitration procedure has been violated.
Disputing parties in collective action employment disputes are required to participate in the Labour Mediation and Labour Arbitration procedures described in the law, and are specifically not permitted to engage in coordinated industrial actions such as labor strikes and lock-outs.