During the late 1960s Singapore inaugurated a new approach to industrial relations which sought to minimise confrontation and conflict. But did such an approach have any impact on the nation's conciliation service which attempts to resolve industrial disputes?\ud
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In this article mediation is considered to be a part of the conciliation process. In almost all countries conciliation is looked upon as the most effective form of government intervention to limit the number of work stoppages. Usually the conciliator has no specific authority to compel a settlement. He can only attempt to persuade the parties to try and reach an agreement. Thus, where successful, the conciliator may forestall a work stoppage or curtail the duration of a stoppage
