General Guidelines for the Test Implementation of Mediation Proceedings in the Pilot Area of the National Capital Region (NCR)

April 10, 2003NLRC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 4-01-03TO:Presiding/Commissioners, Luzon Area  The Executive Labor Arbiter, Labor Arbiters — NCR Authorized Mediators   SUBJECT:General Guidelines for the Test Implementation of Mediation Proceedings in the Pilot Area of the National Capital Region (NCR) In the interest of expeditious and efficient administration of labor justice and pursuant to Article 211 (a) of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, declaring it as a state policy "[T]o promote and emphasize the primacy of free collective bargaining and negotiations, including . . . mediation and conciliation, as modes of settling labor or industrial disputes", the following guidelines are hereby issued for the information, direction and guidance of the aforementioned officials: IHcSCA1. Applicability; types of cases/complaints referable to mediation — All types of cases/complaints filed in the NCR Arbitration Branch or in the Commission (Luzon based) may be referred to mediation, upon agreement of the parties, and these guidelines shall apply to said cases.2. Authorized Mediators — Authorized Mediators are those who have undergone and passed the Screening, Selection, and the Basic Mediation...