AFM Programs & Services
Mediation Services
The Cooperative Resolution Program is a voluntary program that uses mediation to resolve disputes quickly and at the earliest possible stage.
- Understanding the Mediation Process
- Preparation for Mediation
- What is mediation?
- Reasons to try mediation
- How mediation works
Mediation is a problem-solving process that focuses on the future and the working relationship of the parties. This process is designed to assist parties with creating their own mutually agreed upon resolution. It is an opportunity to resolve your concerns quickly, voluntarily, informally in a nonadversarial setting. In mediation, parties meet with a mediator to discuss issues and how they can attempt resolution. Mediation saves the parties time, expense, and the emotional stress of enduring unresolved conflict in the workplace. This opens lines of communication and creates an improved understanding for the parties.
Reasons to Try Mediation/Advantages for Use
- Voluntary participation builds mutual respect and understanding
- An opportunity to resolve disputes before choosing established procedures
- Parties craft their own win-win resolution
- Improved communication will prevent future misunderstanding
Mediation offers the following:
- An opportunity to be heard
- An opportunity to develop new ways of dealing with a dispute
- An opportunity to create your own solution
How Mediation works
A mediator, trained in conflict resolution--specifically, the mediation process- -serves as an impartial party. He or she does not take sides or make a decision in the dispute. The mediator begins the mediation process with an introduction and presentation of ground rules for the session. Each involved person then tells about the situation from his or her personal perspective.
Complete Confidentiality
All conversations held during mediation and all materials produced are confidential. The mediator will not reveal anything that occurred during mediation. And, the parties agree in writing not to disclose information without the consent of the mediator and the other party.
Not Litigation
The mediator does not determine who is right or wrong. All points of view are valid and the parties work together to create a solution. Mediators do not provide legal advice. Each party may have a representative present during the mediation session.
A Focus on the Positive
The mediation process acknowledges the emotional issues in a conflict and focuses on finding a workable solution to the dispute rather than on assigning blame. So, participation provides assistance in a constructive manner.
Resolution -- A Written Agreement
Because it does not favor either party, mediation facilitates resolution of a dispute in a manner satisfactory to all involved. When the parties agree to an acceptable solution, it is recorded in writing by the mediator and all parties sign it.
Who Can Ask for Mediation?
Any employee, supervisor, or manager can request mediation if they face an issue or concern that needs to be resolved. The employee contacts the manager of the Cooperative Resolution Program, who appoints a mediator within 48 hours of the request.
