Welcome to the Department of Industrial Relations
State Mediation & Conciliation Service (SMCS)

The State Mediation & Conciliation Service was established to improve employer-union relations in California. Skilled, impartial SMCS staff mediate labor disputes between employers and employee organizations free of charge.

SMCS Co-Sponsors Upcoming Labor-Management Conference

SMCS is co-sponsoring the annual labor-management conference of the Center for Collaborative Solutions.  It will be held in Anaheim March 18-20, 2009.  Please click on this link for conference and registration information.

http://www.labormanagementsolutions.org/Annual%20Conference

 

Mediation

Labor mediation is a non-binding process in which a neutral third party helps a union and employer to resolve their dispute over a contract, a grievance, or other labor relations matter.

Arbitration

SMCS maintains a statewide panel of private labor arbitrators who are available to make advisory or binding determinations on issues in dispute.

Representation services

SMCS conducts elections for certification and decertification of labor organizations, agency shop elections, card checks for recognition, and other types of elections related to labor relations.

 

About SMCS
Archives
SMCS site map
Frequently asked questions
Glossary
Laws & Regulations

What's new

Card check recognition involving local public agencies
Election and representation procedures for public transit agencies
California Public Transit Labor Relations Guide (ms word Word doc)