Mediation: from theoretical aspects to the practical implementation of migrants labor rights

Abstract

In the article, the authors explores the concept of mediation as a way to resolve labor disputes during the practical implementation of labor rights of migrants. The urgency of the research topic is due to the increase in the number of labor migrants from Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the gradual increase in the quality of labor in Ukraine from abroad. Migration processes are related to the realization by citizens not only of the right to work, but also of the right to social protection, living standards, and other inalienable rights. The authors emphasize that the problems of migrant workers are studied only in quantitative terms, and their practical solution through the improvement of the mechanism of mediation support in resolving labor disputes remains unnoticed by scholars and requires special attention. Under the concept of mediation, the authors understand the pre-trial method of resolving disputes, but focuses on the fact that the Law of Ukraine "On Mediation" does not contain a mechanism for protecting migrant workers and needs to be finalized in this area. The migration process involves the transfer of human labor not only from Ukraine but also in Ukraine (from among foreign nationals). The number of migrant workers is growing every year, and the number of cases of violation of migrants' labor rights, which require a mediator and mediation procedures involvement, is automatically increasing. There are two parties to individual labor disputes: the worker and the employer. Disputes in court can be resolved through administrative or civil proceedings. According to the authors, the essence of the dispute may be resumption of work, registration of employment, compensation for material damage, dismissal, formulation of reasons for dismissal, disciplinary action, payment for downtime, forced absences, and more. The appeal to the court to resolve the dispute on the part of the employee is associated either with awareness of legal norms that directly indicate a violation of labor rights, or with the acquisition of legal assistance (information from counsel, lawyer), or illustrative examples of such disputes. The employer's appeal to the court is motivated by awareness of the law, which he is directly guided by in its activities, as well as the presence of the legal service. The authors also give examples of the impossibility of resolving a labor dispute through the mediation procedure, to the special nature of the labor dispute. Signs of unmediability are the lack of a direct ban on mediation; the nature of the dispute or a direct indication of its resolution through mediation; the possibility of procedural registration of the mediation procedure; the subject and content of the dispute do not contradict morality and public order. The authors cite an accident at work and negligent attitude to work as an example of such a sign. In other cases, mediation is permissible. Specific issues of prohibition of mediation in labor law should be reflected in current legislation.