Tue 22 May 2018
#MeToo Mediation at the ADRBC Symposium
Posted by Heverton.Oliveira
Amongst all the exciting and intriguing panels at the 2018 ADRBC Symposium, the panel discussion on the #MeToo movement will certainly draw a crowd and create discussion.
The MeToo movement was founded to help survivors of sexual violence find pathways to healing. By bringing vital conversations about sexual violence to the general public, it’s beginning to de-stigmatize survivors by highlighting the breadth and impact of sexual violence.
#MeToo: Is Mediation an Option for Sexual Harassment Complaints
Panel Chair: Brian Hutchinson
Panelists: Melany Franklin, Heather Hettiarachchi, Roy Johnson, Cathy Knapp
This movement has brought forward our need to think critically about the appropriateness of mediation in addressing sexual violence and harassment allegations. The panel discussion, lead by experienced workplace mediators, will draw on their experience in handling such cases to touch on a number of important topics to be considered:
- privacy and confidentiality
- criminal behaviour
- the relationships between the individuals and power imbalances
- restorative principles
- employer interests
- and more!
There will be a Q&A portion to the discussion as well, opening the floor for further understanding and growth for all that attend in hopes to progressively move into the future and the potential for ADR to be at the forefront when handling such complex and personal “disputes”.
Meet the panel of experts:
Melany Franklin is currently adjunct faculty to Osgoode’s Certificate in Human Rights Theory and Practice, and taught Labour and Employment Law at the University of Toronto for many years. Prior to becoming a mediator she was a partner at a national law firm where she practiced labour, employment and human rights law.
Heather Hettiarachchi is a lawyer, workplace investigator and mediator with extensive hands-on human resources management and labour relations experience. Heather is also an entrepreneur and small business owner and founder of Integritas Workplace Law. Heather serves on the CBABC Equality and Diversity Committee and the CBABC Law Week Committee and is Co-Chair of the CPHR BC & Yukon Richmond/Delta Roundtable.
Roy Johnson is co-author of the top-selling “Turning Conflict into Profit” and a founder and Principal of The Neutral Zone Coaching and Consulting Services Inc. Roy is a mediator, trainer and psychotherapist who works with communities, families and public- and private-sector organizations. Roy is a Civil Roster mediator, certified debriefer, change management specialist and human resources professional.
Cathy Knapp‘s practice is dedicated to workplace mediation, investigation, arbitration, and training. She also specializes in conducting Workplace Investigations providing external expertise to organizations in providing objective fact-findings needed to determine appropriate outcomes. Cathy has a background stemming from almost 30 years in the aviation industry with over 15 of these years spent in Human Resources where she was the sole Canadian HR professional working for the world’s largest airline.
Read the panelists’ full bios.
2018 ADRBC SYMPOSIUM
June 11-12 at the Wosk Centre for Dialogue
The Symposium provide an opportunity for ADR professionals to network, interact and discuss current issues and developments. Roster mediators qualify for a discount on registration rates. Few seats remain so reserve your spot by registering now.
Be sure not to miss the #MeToo panel discussion June 11th at 11:30am!
Brian Hutchinson is an Associate Civil Roster mediator and a member of the 2018 ADRBC Symposium Organizing Team. Additionally, Brian provides Conflict Coaching and Workplace Fairness Analysis.
Image by Deva Pardue For All Womankind
