Prior to scheduling a Civil Service hearing, the office of Hearings, Employee Relations, and Mediation (HERM) will offer grievance mediation to parties as an alternative dispute resolution process. It is not a substitute for a Civil Service hearing.

Purpose

• Grievance mediation is an informal process that does not determine winner or losers; it attempts to reach a solution that both parties can live with. Over 70% of the time, the parties reach an amicable resolution to the dispute.

Role of the Mediator

• The mediator's role is to facilitate communication by promoting open and free discussion between the parties in an effort to encourage resolution. The mediator has no authority to compel resolution of a grievance. The mediator will not ultimately hear a case if there is no resolution at mediation.

Role of Parties

• Parties must agree to work cooperatively toward resolving the grievance, not on "winning."

Process

• Facts will be brought out in open discussion rather than through examination and cross-examination.

• Rules of evidence do not apply.

• The mediation process is not recorded.

• The mediator will meet separately with each party to explore settlement options.

• The mediator will not divulge any confidential information to either party.

• A position taken during the mediation process cannot be used against a party at a subsequent hearing.