U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that is offered by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as an alternative to the traditional investigative or litigation process. Mediation is an informal process in which a neutral third party assists the opposing parties to reach a voluntary, negotiated resolution of a charge of discrimination. Mediation gives the parties the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the charge, clear up misunderstandings, determine the underlying interests or concerns, find areas of agreement and, ultimately, to incorporate those areas of agreements into solutions. A mediator does not impose a decision on the parties. Instead, the mediator helps the parties to agree on a mutually acceptable resolution.
An EEOC representative will contact the employee and employer concerning their participation in the program. If both parties agree, a mediation session conducted by a trained and experienced mediator is scheduled. While it is not necessary to have an attorney or other representation in order to participate in EEOC's Mediation Program, either party may choose to do so. It is important that persons attending the mediation session have the authority to resolve the dispute. If mediation is unsuccessful, the charge is investigated like any other charge.
FREE
FAIR AND NEUTRAL
SAVES TIME AND MONEY
CONFIDENTIAL
AVOIDS LITIGATION
FOSTERS COOPERATION
IMPROVES COMMUNICATIONS
DISCOVER THE REAL ISSUES IN YOUR WORKPLACE
DESIGN YOUR OWN SOLUTION
EVERYONE WINS
“Once the employer gets past the myth of “If we didn’t do anything wrong, we shouldn’t go to mediation” and decides to participate, the real issues in the dispute become clear. Through mediation, we have had the opportunity to proactively resolve issues and avoid potential charges in the future. We have seen the number of charges filed with EEOC against us actually decline. We believe that our participating in mediation and listening to employees’ concerns has contributed to that decline.”
Donna M. Gwin, Director of Human Resources, Eastern Division, Safeway Inc.
“Regardless of the issue or whether it has merit under Title VII, if it is draining resources, weighing on the mind of the employee, or having a negative impact on productivity, then getting the issue out on the table, mediating it and resolving it is often the smartest and most expeditious way to ensure workforce effectiveness.”
Linda I. Workman, Vice President, Workforce Effectiveness, ConAgra Foods, Inc.
For further information, visit our website at http://www.eeoc.gov or contact:
1-800-669-4000 (voice)
or
1-800-669-6820 (TTY)