JPPM Conciliation Questions Answered Plainly
Straight answers on the conciliation meeting after a dismissal claim.
JPPM Conciliation, Explained For Workers
The conciliation meeting is often the first time a worker and employer sit down together after a dismissal dispute begins.
These are the questions workers ask most about this stage.
What Is JPPM Conciliation?
JPPM is the Malay abbreviation for the Department of Industrial Relations, and conciliation is the meeting it arranges after a Section 20 representation is lodged.
The aim is to see if the worker and employer can settle the dispute without going further.
Why Can’t I Bring A Lawyer?
Solicitors are not permitted to represent parties at this stage, though you can still prepare with an employment lawyer beforehand 1.
The meeting is meant to be a direct discussion between the parties, guided by an officer.
What Actually Happens In The Meeting?
An officer from the department facilitates a discussion between you and your employer, exploring whether a settlement is possible.
It is generally more informal than a court hearing.
What If We Reach A Settlement?
A settlement can end the matter without needing to go to the Industrial Court, often with agreed compensation or terms.
Once signed, a settlement is typically final.
What If Conciliation Does Not Work?
The case is then referred by the Director General directly to the Industrial Court under the current process 2.
You do not need to take any separate action to trigger this referral.
Should I Settle If I Am Offered Something At Conciliation?
This depends entirely on your own circumstances and how the offer compares to what you might reasonably expect.
Talking to a lawyer beforehand about your position can help you weigh an offer.
How Should I Prepare For The Meeting?
Bring your documents, know your dismissal date clearly using the deadline calculator, and think through what outcome you are hoping for.
Being organised helps the discussion move more productively.
If a conciliation meeting is coming up, it helps to think through your position and what you would accept before you walk in.
Common questions
What is JPPM conciliation?
JPPM is the Malay abbreviation for the Department of Industrial Relations, and conciliation is the meeting it arranges after a Section 20 representation is lodged. The aim is to see if the worker and employer can settle the dispute without going further.
Why can't I bring a lawyer?
Solicitors are not permitted to represent parties at this stage, though you can still prepare with a lawyer beforehand. The meeting is meant to be a direct discussion between the parties, guided by an officer.
What actually happens in the meeting?
An officer from the department facilitates a discussion between you and your employer, exploring whether a settlement is possible. It is generally more informal than a court hearing.
What if we reach a settlement?
A settlement can end the matter without needing to go to the Industrial Court, often with agreed compensation or terms. Once signed, a settlement is typically final.
What if conciliation does not work?
The case is then referred by the Director General directly to the Industrial Court under the current process. You do not need to take any separate action to trigger this referral.
Should I settle if I am offered something at conciliation?
This depends entirely on your own circumstances and how the offer compares to what you might reasonably expect. Talking to a lawyer beforehand about your position can help you weigh an offer.
How should I prepare for the meeting?
Bring your documents, know your dismissal date clearly, and think through what outcome you are hoping for. Being organised helps the discussion move more productively.
Sources
- After a representation is lodged the Department of Industrial Relations arranges conciliation, and solicitors are not permitted to represent the parties at that conciliation stage. Mah Weng Kwai & Associates
- Since the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2020 came into force on 1 January 2021, a case that does not settle at conciliation is referred by the Director General directly to the Industrial Court. MECA, Industrial Relations Act 1967 Guide
Keep reading
If a conciliation meeting is coming up, it helps to think through your position and what you would accept before you walk in.