Mediation helps the employees to have a difficult but constructive conversation about the issues involved. During the stages of mediation, the employees learn to listen to each other and hear what is important to the other person in a respectful, open, honest and confidential manner. Mediation can involve two people or a group.
Mediation ends when the employees reach an agreement.
Participation is strictly voluntary and does not affect your grievance rights. Either participant may terminate the mediation at any point. Mediation is available to all state employees whether in the executive, judicial, or legislative branch of state government. An employee may directly approach a co-worker or supervisor about mediating their differences, or request the agency mediation coordinator, human resources officer, or counselor at the Department of Employment Dispute Resolution offer mediation to the other participant. When employees agree to mediate, the agency mediation coordinator, or State Mediation Program Manager at the Department of Employment Dispute Resolution will coordinate and schedule the mediation.