Construction World January 2024

The BCCEI’s Dispute Resolution Centre plays a pivotal role within the civil engineering sector.

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THE VITAL ROLE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY

Merle Denson, Dispute Resolution Centre Manager at the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI).

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of civil engineering, disputes can arise at any moment, threatening the stability and fairness that are essential for the industry's smooth operation. To shed light on the importance of dispute resolution in maintaining equilibrium, we turned to Merle Denson, Dispute Resolution Centre Manager at the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI).

D ispute resolution, as described by Denson, is a vital mechanism for solving conflicts without resorting to costly and time consuming court proceedings. Effective dispute resolution is a cornerstone of good business management, helping companies avoid conflicts and prevent them from escalating. Denson also emphasises that having a clear grievance procedure, with minimal legal formalities, in place is not just a best practice but also a cost-effective way to address disputes. The BCCEI's Dispute Resolution Centre plays a pivotal role in resolving disputes within the civil engineering sector. Denson outlined several key contributions of the DRC. “Importantly as the designated bargaining council for the sector, the BCCEI Dispute Resolution Centre is accredited by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to handle disputes efficiently, ensuring they are resolved in accordance with the law and CCMA criteria,” she explains. “This accreditation demonstrates the BCCEI's commitment to meeting industry standards and maintaining high levels of professionalism.” The BCCEI Dispute Resolution Centre has appointed a panel of commissioners with extensive industry knowledge and experience. Denson says this ensures

that disputes are handled by experts who understand the complexities of civil engineering. The civil engineering industry is characterised by project based work across different provinces, and the BCCEI Dispute Resolution Centre prioritises accessibility by scheduling cases in the region where the dispute originated. “We believe this approach is important as it alleviates the financial burden on employees who may not have the means to travel to resolve their disputes,” she says. “In addition to this, we adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by offering online dispute resolution services. We have continued to offer this primarily because the shift to virtual platforms has improved efficiency and reduced costs, making dispute resolution more accessible and convenient for all parties involved.” The accessibility of the BCCEI Dispute Resolution Centre's services is ensured through a funding mechanism. Employers and employees within the BCCEI's scope contribute to the cost of dispute resolution through a monthly dispute resolution levy. This mechanism ensures that the services are available and sustainable for all parties involved. When it comes to handling disputes referred to the BCCEI

6 CONSTRUCTION WORLD JANUARY 2024