Legalizing workplace mediation: Comparative lessons and policy gaps in albania’s labor dispute framework

Ilir Rusi; Megi Bejtja

doi:10.31893/multiscience.2026284

Keywords:

alternative dispute resolution

Abstract

This article examines mediation as a legally grounded and policy-relevant tool for preventing labor disputes and strikes in both unionized and non-unionized settings. In light of the rising complexity of labor relations, mediation offers a structured, non-adversarial mechanism to resolve workplace conflicts while preserving industrial peace and productivity. Through comparative analysis of legal systems in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the study underscores the effectiveness of mandatory or institutionalized mediation in minimizing labor unrest. It advocates for the integration of mediation into collective bargaining frameworks, supported by accredited mediators, procedural safeguards, and enforceable good faith obligations. Focusing on Albania—a country in transition and amid labor law reforms—the paper identifies critical legislative and institutional shortcomings that limit the uptake of mediation. These include ambiguous legal provisions, weak enforcement, and limited public engagement. The article proposes targeted reforms: mandating mediation in key sectors, strengthening mediator training and certification, and harmonizing national practices with international labor standards. Such reforms are presented as essential for advancing Albania’s EU accession process and reinforcing democratic labor governance. The paper concludes by offering legal and policy recommendations, including the adoption of mandatory mediation in essential sectors, investment in mediator training and accreditation, and alignment with international labor standards. These reforms are positioned not only as pathways to industrial peace but also as essential steps toward meeting Albania’s European Union integration objectives and strengthening democratic labor institutions.
References
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16. Hann, D. (2023). Custodians of contemporary pluralism: Acas’s evolving role in addressing industrial relations. Industrial Relations Journal.
17. International Labour Organization. (1949). Recommendation No. 92 on voluntary conciliation and arbitration. ILO.
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21. National Labor Relations Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 151–169. (1935). United States Congress.
22. Ndregjoni, Z. (2022). Challenges and opportunities for SMEs in Albania: Legal and policy perspectives. Albanian Journal of Economic and Social Studies, 9(1), 45–58.
23. Potočnik, K., Munduate, L., Medina, F. J., & Euwema, M. C. (2018). Mediation and conciliation in collective labor conflicts in the United Kingdom. Industrial Relations Journal.
24. Tjosvold, D., Wong, A. S. H., & Chen, N. Y. F. (2014). Constructively managing conflicts in organizations. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1, 545–568.
25. United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). (2024). Paving the way towards the EU for Albania. UNIDO Knowledge Hub.
26. Wall, J. A., Stark, J. B., & Standifer, R. L. (2012). Workplace mediation research overview (Working paper). International Association for Conflict Management.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Rusi, I., & Bejtja, M. (2025). Legalizing workplace mediation: Comparative lessons and policy gaps in albania’s labor dispute framework . Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 8(4), 2026284. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2026284

[1] ACAS. (2021). Annual report and accounts 2020–2021. UK Government.

[2] Albania. (1995). Labour Code of the Republic of Albania (Law No. 7961/1995, as amended by Law No. 136/2015).

[3] Albania. (2011). Law on Mediation in Dispute Resolution (Law No. 10385/2011, amended).

[4] Argyrou, A. (2018). Doctrinal and empirical legal research: Complementary perspectives. Utrecht Law Review.

[5] Australia. (2009). Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Commonwealth of Australia.

[6] Bollen, P., & Euwema, M. C. (2015). Advancing workplace mediation through integration of theory and practice. Springer.

[7] Canada Labour Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2. (1985). Department of Justice, Canada.

[8] Centre for Legal Empowerment (CLE). (2022). Mediation as an alternative for resolving disputes at work in Albania [Report].

[9] Coleman, P. T., Kugler, K. G., & Mazzaro, K. (2016). Getting beyond win–lose and win–win: A situated model of adaptive mediation. In K. Bollen, M. C. Euwema, & L. Munduate (Eds.), Advancing workplace mediation through integration of theory and practice (pp. 21–38). Springer.

[10] De Dreu, C. K. W. (Ed.). (1997). Using conflict in organizations. Sage.

[11] Employment Rights (Dispute Resolution) Act 1998, c. 8. (1998). UK Parliament.

[12] European Commission. (2023). Screening report – Albania: Chapter 19 Social policy and employment. European Union.

[13] European Committee of Social Rights. (2022). Conclusions 2022: Albania – Labour rights and dispute resolution. Council of Europe.

[14] Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). (2023). Annual report FY 2022–2023. United States Government.

[15] Foley, M., & Cronin, D. (2015). Mediator strategy in collective labor conflicts. In Mediation and conciliation in collective labor conflicts (pp. 25–49). Springer.

[16] Hann, D. (2023). Custodians of contemporary pluralism: Acas’s evolving role in addressing industrial relations. Industrial Relations Journal.

[17] International Labour Organization. (1949). Recommendation No. 92 on voluntary conciliation and arbitration. ILO.

[18] International Labour Organization. (1981). Recommendation No. 163 on the promotion of collective bargaining. ILO.

[19] International Labour Organization. (2023). Access to justice in labour disputes through mediation and conciliation: Albania project. ILO/UN Albania.

[20] Koçiaj, I., & Sina, X. (2025). Resolution of workplace disputes according to the acts of the International Labour Organization and Albanian legislation. Journal of Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issues, 28(S2), 1–16.

[21] National Labor Relations Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 151–169. (1935). United States Congress.

[22] Ndregjoni, Z. (2022). Challenges and opportunities for SMEs in Albania: Legal and policy perspectives. Albanian Journal of Economic and Social Studies, 9(1), 45–58.

[23] Potočnik, K., Munduate, L., Medina, F. J., & Euwema, M. C. (2018). Mediation and conciliation in collective labor conflicts in the United Kingdom. Industrial Relations Journal.

[24] Tjosvold, D., Wong, A. S. H., & Chen, N. Y. F. (2014). Constructively managing conflicts in organizations. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1, 545–568.

[25] United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). (2024). Paving the way towards the EU for Albania. UNIDO Knowledge Hub.

[26] Wall, J. A., Stark, J. B., & Standifer, R. L. (2012). Workplace mediation research overview (Working paper). International Association for Conflict Management.

Abstract

References

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