Manajemen Konflik dalam Proses Mediasi Hubungan Industrial oleh Mediator Fungsional pada Dinas Ketenagakerjaan Kota Medan

Abstract

Industrial relations disputes frequently arise in the labor market due to differing interests, termination of employment, and disagreements over the rights and obligations between workers and employers. These disputes not only cause losses for both parties but also have the potential to disrupt regional economic stability. In this context, functional mediators at the Medan City Manpower Office play a crucial role in resolving conflicts through a fair and efficient non-litigation approach. This study aims to analyze the application of conflict management by functional mediators in the industrial relations mediation process in Medan City, identify the obstacles encountered, and assess their effectiveness in dispute resolution. The conflict management approach refers to the theory of Christopher W. Moore (2014), which includes building effective relationships, creating open conditions, managing the negotiation process, maintaining neutrality, and assisting in formulating mutual agreements. The research method used a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collection techniques including in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation studies. Informants included officials from the Medan City Manpower Office, functional mediators, and workers involved in the dispute. Data analysis was conducted using triangulation techniques to ensure the validity of the findings. Data analysis was conducted using source triangulation and other techniques to ensure the validity of the findings. The results indicate that the application of conflict management has been quite effective in resolving various industrial relations disputes, particularly in cases of layoffs, which account for approximately 80% of the total. However, this effectiveness is hampered by the parties' stubbornness, emotional resistance, a poor understanding of labor law, and a lack of openness in dialogue. Overall, the application of conflict management by functional mediators has had a positive impact in encouraging the achievement of legally valid agreements, reducing the potential for disputes to escalate to litigation, and strengthening harmonious industrial relations in Medan City. This study emphasizes the importance of improving the capacity of mediators and strengthening institutional support to optimize the quality of mediation in the future.