(1) Where a trade dispute exists or is apprehended, that dispute, if not otherwise resolved, may be reported to the Director General by -
• (a) an employer who is a party to the dispute or a trade union of employers representing him in the dispute; or
• (b) a trade union of workmen which is a party to the dispute.
(2) The Director General shall consider any dispute reported to him under subsection (1) and take such steps as may be necessary or expedient for promoting an expeditious settlement thereof:
Provided that where the dispute relates to the dismissal of a workman, the provisions of section 20 shall apply.
(3) Where a trade dispute exists or is apprehended, which in his opinion is not likely to be settled by negotiation between the parties, the Director General may, if he deems it necessary in the public interest, take such steps as may be necessary or expedient for promoting a settlement thereof whether or not the trade dispute has been reported to him.
(4) The steps taken by the Director General under subsection (2) or (3) shall include reference of the dispute for settlement to any appropriate machinery which already exists by virtue of an agreement between or applicable to the parties to the dispute, unless -