This document outlines new procedures for the Office of Chief Counsel s informal EEO complaint process. During the initial discussion between an aggrieved and a Counsel EEO Specialist, the specialist will inform the aggrieved of the options available to address the aggrieved s issues. The specialist will provide the employee with the EEO process options, i.e., the statutory process via 29 CFR 1614 or mediation as the ADR process.
Mediation is a voluntary process.
If an employee elects mediation but the manager does not want to participate, a counselor will be assigned to the employee. The management official participating in a mediation should have the authority to effect a resolution of the issues raised. Mediators will make no recommendations to the parties and will not provide a written record of positions. Their responsibility will be to facilitate resolution of the dispute by the parties. Mediation may not be an option in all cases.