How REDRESS Works  
How does it work?
REDRESS® mediation is designed to assist people in conflict. To this end, it uses the transformative model of mediation, which allows the parties to openly discuss the issues they believe are important to their dispute in a manner that can help “transform” their working relationship. This open discussion often helps the parties recognize each other’s views and better consider how the dispute might be resolved. The parties, rather than the mediator, have the power to decide whether and how issues can be resolved. The mediator facilitates the discussion between disputing parties, but does not make a determination about who is right or wrong. The Postal Service™ is convinced that when disputing parties are given the opportunity to participate in a transformative mediation session, not only do they gain a better understanding of the conflict, but they also develop a better ability to communicate with each other. In the end, conflicts in general are reduced as communication is improved. This all leads to a better workplace.

Any Postal employee who believes that he or she has been the subject of illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or retaliation may file an "informal complaint" with the local Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office.
The employee is offered two options: REDRESS mediation or traditional EEO counseling. (A small percentage of cases are not appropriate for mediation and are not offered REDRESS. For example, disputes involving violence, theft, or destruction of property may not be appropriate for mediation.)
The mediation takes place within a few weeks after the employee has contacted the EEO office.
There is no cost to employees or managers who participate in REDRESS mediation.
All mediations take place "on the clock" and parties are entitled to bring a representative of their choice.
The mediation is held at or near the employee’s assigned work location and is facilitated by a professional neutral mediator who is not a Postal Service employee.

May employees use REDRESS mediation for both informal and formal EEO complaints?

Yes. Postal employees may use REDRESS mediation for both. REDRESS mediation is generally offered to complainants at the informal counseling stage, and REDRESS II mediation may be offered as part of the formal EEO complaint process.

What does mediation cost?

There is no cost to an employee for a REDRESS mediation. The Postal Service pays for the mediator and provides mediation facilities.

When and where do mediations occur?

Mediations usually take place at the employee's facility. Exceptions may arise due to space considerations or the nature of the particular case; in that case, a nearby location is used. Mediation sessions are on the clock and usually occur during the employee's normal work schedule.

How is a mediator selected?

The Postal Service conducted a nationwide search for highly skilled mediators who met minimum training and experience requirements. These mediators were invited to attend an intensive 20-hour transformative mediation training program conducted by the nation’s leading experts. After the training, their skills were evaluated and if they demonstrated a mastery of transformative mediation skills, their names were added to our roster (See Publication 102 - Mediating Postal Disputes). When a mediation is requested, the local REDRESS staff person locates an available roster mediator and schedules the mediation. If the case is a REDRESS II mediation, the parties’ representatives may agree to use a particular mediator from the roster.

How is the mediation conducted?

Once the parties agree upon a date, place, and time for the mediation, a Postal Service designee makes all of the arrangements. Parties may choose to meet with their representatives ahead of time in order to organize their thoughts and prepare for the session. On the day of the mediation, the mediator, parties, and representatives meet at the designated location. No one else is present in the mediation without the parties’ approval. A Postal Service designee may check in to see if assistance is needed and may attend the mediation for the purpose of evaluating the mediator’s skills. The mediator opens the session and assists the parties in beginning their mediation. From that point forward, the parties proceed and the mediator supports the parties using transformative mediation skills. We encourage representatives to assist their clients by offering guidance to help them clearly express their thoughts.

How does the mediation end?

At the conclusion of the mediation session, if the parties agree upon terms for a settlement, they reduce it to writing. The mediator then delivers the written agreement to the Postal Service for final processing and the case is closed. If the parties do not reach a settlement, the mediation ends, and the parties may continue to the next step of the traditional complaint process. In order to maintain the integrity, credibility, and quality of the REDRESS process, every participant is asked to complete an anonymous exit survey. These surveys are forwarded directly to an independent researcher at Indiana University, who compiles the data, analyzes it and reports results to the Postal Service. The program administrator uses this data to maintain and improve the process.