Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that is offered by the Antidiscrimination & Labor Division as an alternative to the traditional investigative or litigation procedure. It is an informal, voluntary process offered to the parties as a way for them to resolve their disputes over whether the employer (Respondent) has treated the employee (Charging Party) differently because he or she is a member of a protected class (race, religion, age, disability, gender, color, national origin).
The mediator is a neutral facilitator who assists both parties to reach a voluntary resolution of their disputes. The mediator does not resolve the charge or reach a decision on the merits of the claims or defenses. Instead, the mediator helps the parties reach a resolution that is acceptable to them. Throughout the years, the mediation process has been proven to be a viable and beneficial alternative that assists both parties to quickly resolve disputes.