Trade disputes may be reported to the Minister

(1) Any trade dispute as defined by this Act, whether existing or apprehended, may be reported to the Minister by or on behalf of either of the parties to the dispute, and the Minister shall thereupon take the matter into his consideration and take such steps as seem to him expedient for promoting a settlement thereof. (2) Where a trade dispute exists or is apprehended, the Minister may, subject as hereinafter provided, if he thinks fit and if both parties consent, refer the matter for settlement to an Arbitration Tribunal constituted of either, (a) a sole arbitrator appointed by the Minister; or (b) an arbitrator appointed by the Minister, assisted by one or more assessors nominated by or on behalf of the employers concerned and an equal number of assessors nominated by or on behalf of the workmen concerned, all of whom shall be appointed by the Provided that the award shall be made and issued by the arbitrator only; or, (c) one or more arbitrators nominated by or on behalf of the employers concerned and an equal number of arbitrators nominated by or on behalf of the workmen concerned, and an independent Chairperson, all of whom shall be appointed by the Minister, Provided that where all the members of the Tribunal are unable to agree as to their award, the matter shall be decided by the Chairperson as sole arbitrator. 6 (Arbitration and Inquiry) (3) Where there are existing in any trade or industry any arrangements for settlement by conciliation or arbitration of disputes in such trade or industry, or any branch thereof, made in pursuance of an agreement between organisations of employers and organisations of workmen representative respectively of substantial proportions of the employers and workmen engaged in that trade or industry, the Minister shall not, unless with the consent of both parties to the dispute, and unless and until there has been a failure to obtain a settlement by means of those arrangements, refer the matter for settlement in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section. (4) The Arbitration Act, Cap. 125 shall not apply to any proceedings of an Arbitration Tribunal under this Act or to any award issued by it.