(1)

(a) Subject to paragraph (b), the Director General may, where he or she is of the opinion that a complaint or dispute is capable of being resolved without being referred to an adjudication officer under section 41, refer the complaint or dispute for resolution to a mediation officer.

(b) The Director General shall not refer a complaint or dispute for resolution to a mediation officer if either of the parties to the complaint or dispute objects to its being so referred.

(2) Where a complaint or dispute is referred for resolution under this section the mediation officer concerned may -

(a) convene a meeting (in this section referred to as a "mediation conference") in accordance with subsection (3) for the purpose of resolving the complaint or dispute, or