JPPM Conciliation Questions Answered Plainly
A conciliation meeting is coming and you want to know what to expect.
JPPM conciliation, explained for workers
The conciliation meeting is often the first time you and your 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.
Conciliation is the meeting it arranges after a Section 20 representation is lodged, to see whether you and your employer can settle without going further.
Why can’t I bring a lawyer?
Lawyers 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 you and your employer, guided by an officer.
What actually happens in the meeting?
An officer from the department guides a discussion between you and your employer, to see 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 going to the Industrial Court, often with agreed compensation or terms.
Once signed, it is typically final.
What if conciliation does not work?
The Director General then refers the case directly to the Industrial Court.2
You do not need to take any separate step to trigger this.
Should I settle if I am offered something at conciliation?
That depends on your circumstances and on how the offer compares with what you could reasonably expect.
A lawyer can help you weigh an offer before the meeting.
How should I prepare for the meeting?
Bring your documents, confirm your dismissal date with the deadline calculator, and decide what outcome you want.
Being organised keeps the discussion productive.
If you want a lawyer to prepare you, request lawyer contact first; only after an identified independent lawyer has contacted you and specifically requested the material, send the notice and your dismissal details directly to that lawyer. They can review the facts and reply on whether and how they can act.
If a JPPM conciliation meeting is coming up, request lawyer contact first; only after an identified independent lawyer has contacted you and specifically requested the material, send the notice and your dismissal details. An independent employment lawyer can review the facts and reply on whether and how they can act, including preparing you for the meeting.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.
Common questions
What is JPPM conciliation?
JPPM is the Malay abbreviation for the Department of Industrial Relations. Conciliation is the meeting it arranges after a Section 20 representation is lodged, to see whether you and your employer can settle without going further.
Why can't I bring a lawyer?
Lawyers are not permitted to represent parties at this stage, though you can still prepare with one beforehand. The meeting is meant to be a direct discussion between you and your employer, guided by an officer.
What actually happens in the meeting?
An officer from the department guides a discussion between you and your employer, to see 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 going to the Industrial Court, often with agreed compensation or terms. Once signed, it is typically final.
What if conciliation does not work?
The Director General then refers the case directly to the Industrial Court. You do not need to take any separate step to trigger this.
Should I settle if I am offered something at conciliation?
That depends on your circumstances and on how the offer compares with what you could reasonably expect. A lawyer can help you weigh an offer before the meeting.
How should I prepare for the meeting?
Bring your documents, know your dismissal date, and decide what outcome you want. Being organised keeps the discussion productive.
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 JPPM conciliation meeting is coming up, request lawyer contact first; only after an identified independent lawyer has contacted you and specifically requested the material, send the notice and your dismissal details. An independent employment lawyer can review the facts and reply on whether and how they can act, including preparing you for the meeting.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.