Europe learns from 'role model' JIB

Dec 13, 2011

The JIB visited Bulgaria recently after being asked to speak at conference to share best practice with other countries that want to improve their industrial relations processes.

The trip was part of a wider project that has involved representatives from Poland, France and Bulgaria working together to share experiences in dispute resolution, with the JIB taking a lead role thanks to its solid reputation and impressive success rate in mediation.

At the event, Senior National Officer Sheik Khan stood before an audience that included Bulgarian government officials to outline the JIB’s model of alternative dispute resolution, and how the JIB helps employees and employers come together during conflict to find a mutually agreeable way forward.

“The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) asked the JIB to participate in the project and act as a role model due to its excellent processes and success rates,” said Sheik Khan. “We were delighted to help and, after hearing from our European partners, were proud to discover that the electrical industry is clearly advanced in our industrial relations procedures. This is a great reflection on our industry and JIB members.”

Judith Jackson, Head of Educational Services at the GFTU, added: “Having the opportunity to work with the JIB for the duration of our European Commission-funded Dispute Resolution project has been really beneficial. The JIB are the UK leaders in workplace conflict resolution and both the GFTU and our affiliate trade unions learned a lot from the experience and I expect a number of our officials will now try to take that kind of approach into their own workplaces. GFTU looks forward to working with JIB on other formal projects.”

The project is now hoping to widen its scope to include partners from Belgium and Finland.