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Mediation service

How can mediation help you?

Mediation is a free service offered by the CNESST. It helps workers and their employer reach an agreement when there is a conflict regarding:

  • labour standards
  • pay equity
  • occupational health and safety
  • accidents and occupational diseases

When a complaint is filed, the mediator contacts the parties to offer them their services. The parties are always free to accept or refuse mediation.  

During mediation, the parties may be accompanied by a person of their choice for support. They also have the right to be represented.   

All information collected by the mediator during meetings is kept confidential, including the terms of the agreement. 

Who is offered mediation?

Mediation is for: 

  • the worker 
  • the employer or their representative 
  • certified associations, such as unions 
  • worker associations 

When is mediation offered?

Mediation is offered when any of the following situations are reported to the CNESST: 

What happens if mediation is refused or if an agreement cannot be reached?

If mediation is refused or if an agreement cannot be reached, other options are proposed

Nature of the complaint and solution

Nature of the complaint  Option
Dismissal not made for good and sufficient cause or a practice that is prohibited by the Loi sur les normes du travail 
We offer the worker the option of being represented by one of our lawyers free of charge before the Tribunal administratif du travail.
Psychological or sexual harassment The complaint is transferred to one of our psychological harassment investigators. If the findings of the investigation confirm a situation of harassment, we offer the worker the option of being represented by one of our lawyers free of charge before the Tribunal administratif du travail.
Pay equity We conduct an investigation and render a decision. The worker and the employer have 90 days from the date of receipt of the decision to contest the decision before the Tribunal administratif du travail.
Occupational health and safety One of our mediators/adjudicators summons the worker and the employer to a hearing. Based on the facts reported, a decision is rendered. The worker and the employer have 60 days from the date of receipt of the decision to contest the decision before the Tribunal administratif du travail.

Laws and regulations

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