9. Reference by court or labour tribunal

Where an action is filed in any civil court having jurisdiction over a Special Mediation Board Area or an application is made to any labour tribunal having jurisdiction over a Special Mediation Board Area, in regard to any dispute arising in respect of any one or more of the categories of disputes determined under section 2 of this Act, such court or tribunal as the case may be, may with the written consent of the parties to that dispute, refer the dispute to the Chairman of the Panel appointed for that Special Mediation Board Area, for the purpose of settlement of such dispute by mediation.