Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Alternative Dispute Resolution, commonly
referred to as ADR, is a term which covers many alternatives to
traditional methods for resolving conflicts or disputes. ADR has
been used as a tool in resolving workplace disputes arising from
poor communication, personality conflicts, or alleged
discrimination. The Department of Army has chosen mediation as
the primary ADR method in resolving EEO disputes because it empowers
the parties themselves to reach an acceptable resolution of the
conflict.
ADR (Mediation) is offered to
the aggrieved individual in the informal stage of an EEO complaint
and to the complainant throughout the formal complaint process as an
attempt to resolve a complaint at the earliest level possible.
The PBA EEO Office is firmly
committed to using alternative methods for resolving disputes in all
of its activities, where appropriate and feasible. Used properly in
appropriate circumstances, ADR can provide faster, less
expensive and contentious, and more productive results in
eliminating
workplace discrimination.
Mediation Process
- Step 1: The aggrieved individual contacts an EEO Official
or collateral duty counselor and identifies an issue(s) s/he may be
encountering.
- Step 2: The aggrieved individual chooses to elect
mediation as opposed to the traditional counseling process in
efforts to resolve his/her issue(s).
- Step 3: The issue(s) are then sent to the ADR Program
Manager to determine whether the issue is appropriate for mediation.
- Step 4: ADR Program Manager arranges mediation and acts as
liaison to all involved parties to include the mediator.
Selected mediators are neutral individuals not employed by the Pine
Bluff Arsenal.
- Step 5: The mediator helps the two parties find areas of
agreement and incorporates them into resolution terms. If a
mutual settlement is reached, the resolution terms are put into a
written settlement agreement. If settlement is not reached,
the aggrieved individual will be issued a Notice of Right to File a
Formal Complaint memorandum along with DA Form 2590 to be completed
by the aggrieved if s/he wishes to file a formal complaint.
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