Employment and Workplace Mediation
When an employer and an employee or contractor disagree about pay, commissions, or the terms of a separation, mediation offers a private and practical way to settle the matter.
What these disputes look like
Workplace disputes often come down to money and expectations: wages or commissions someone believes they earned, the terms of a separation, or what an independent contractor was supposed to deliver. They can involve small businesses and individuals as well as larger companies.
These disputes can be stressful for both sides. Employees and contractors depend on their income, and employers want to resolve the matter without disrupting the business. Mediation is confidential, which lets both sides speak openly and work toward a resolution, such as a payment, a schedule, or agreed separation terms.
Common issues in these disputes
- Unpaid wages, overtime, or final paychecks
- Unpaid commissions and bonuses
- Separation terms and final payments
- Independent contractor payment and scope disputes
- Return of company property and expenses
- Disagreements over written employment agreements
Two examples
Example 1: Unpaid commissions after leaving a job
The situation. A salesperson leaves a company and says $11,000 in commissions was earned on deals that closed after the last day of work. The company says the commission plan only pays on deals that close while the person is still employed.
How mediation helps. In mediation, both sides can walk through the commission plan, the deals, and the timing. The mediator does not decide what the plan means, but helps each side understand the other's reading and consider the cost and uncertainty of a dispute. Agreements might include a payment on certain deals or a lump sum, depending on what both sides decide.
Example 2: A contractor's final invoice
The situation. A freelance developer is hired to build software for a small company. The company ends the project early and refuses to pay a final invoice of $7,500, saying the work was incomplete. The developer says the company kept changing the requirements.
How mediation helps. The mediator helps the developer and the company review the original agreement, the changes, and the work that was delivered. In private sessions, each side can consider what a practical resolution would look like. Agreements might include a partial payment, delivery of certain files, or both, written down if the parties agree.
How mediation can help
A confidential setting
What is said in mediation generally stays in mediation, so people can speak more openly about what matters to them.
Faster answers
Many disputes can be discussed and settled in a single session, instead of months of letters, demands, or a lawsuit.
Lower cost
A few hours of mediation typically costs far less than litigation.
A respectful setting
A neutral person helps keep a difficult conversation focused on solutions.
You stay in control
Nobody can impose a result. A settlement happens only if both sides agree to it.
Please note: The mediator is neutral, does not represent any party, and does not give legal advice. You are welcome to bring an attorney. The examples above are illustrative, are not real cases, and do not predict the outcome of any dispute.
Schedule your mediation
Pick a date on the live calendar, or reach out with questions about your case, timing, or format.