U.S. Department
of Justice
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Federal regulations require agencies to establish or make available an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program for both the pre-complaint and the formal equal employment opportunity (EEO) complaint processes. (See 29 C.F.R. § 1614.102(b)(2)).
ADR encompasses a variety of problem-solving processes designed to assist parties with resolving their disputes collaboratively, and provides an informal and speedy alternative to the traditional EEO complaint process. The preferred method of ADR utilized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) is mediation.
The process usually begins with a joint session. During the first meeting, the lead or co-mediator explains the process and answers questions. After the parties have told their side of the story, the mediator may ask for clarification or elaboration on particular issues. Following the joint session, the lead or co-mediator may meet with each party separately to discuss the issues in greater detail, and to gain a better sense of how the parties would like to resolve the dispute. In these meetings, the lead or co-mediator helps the parties try to find an appropriate way to solve their problems. If successful, at the end of the process, a detailed written agreement is developed and signed by both parties.
While conflict is a normal part of our daily lives, it is often uncomfortable and counterproductive in the workplace. When you find yourself in a dispute with a fellow employee, manager, or other colleague, mediation can help you resolve issues in a private, confidential, and timely manner.
Reasons for Using ADR/Mediation Include:
- Maximizes cost effectiveness
- Reduces stress
- Opens lines of communication
- Resolves conflict without formal complaint activity
- Promotes organizational effectiveness
- Reduces processing time allowing employees to return to a productive work life faster
- Empowers parties to take an active role in the resolution process
- Provides confidentiality
- Retains your rights to pursue the EEO dispute formally
- Achieves justice and fosters equal opportunity in the workplace.
When you want to file a complaint, the first step is to seek an EEO counselor. After the initial interview and some management contact, the counselor may decide that this case is one that may be appropriate for mediation. The counselor will look at several factors, including whether: (1) the situation involves continuing relationships, (2) the desire of the parties to settle the dispute confidentially and informally, (3) the parties’ expressed interest in taking part in shaping an agreement, (4) the subject matter of the case, and (5) the potential for setting a precedent.
In addition to the mediator, there will be a management representative and the aggrieved party. Either party can represent themselves or may have a legal representative present. However, the parties who participate in the mediation session should have the authority and ability to enter a resolution of the dispute.
DOJ Mediator Corps
The DOJ Mediator Corps Program, with the expertise of approximately 110 collateral duty mediators from all DOJ Components, provides an invaluable means of informal resolution to address and, when possible, resolve complaints of employment discrimination. It is operationally managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) with support from DOJ Component EEO Offices, and directly satisfies federal regulations to establish or make available an Alternative Dispute Resolution program for both the pre-complaint and the formal EEO complaint processes. This is a no-cost program that can be used as an integral part of the EEO complaint process and overall efforts to create model EEO programs. For additional information, please contact your servicing DOJ Component EEO Office.