What is mediation?

Mediation is a confidential, non-adversarial and voluntary process through which one of our trained volunteer mediators hears a dispute between two or more individuals and attempts to help them settle their dispute. 

The mediator remains neutral and does not decide who is right or wrong but helps the parties in talking about issues that are important to them. 

The actual decisions reached are up to the parties in dispute.

Employer mediation

The Community Mediation Center offers employment mediation for individuals within businesses and organizations.  These sessions can be between two co-workers or between an employee and their supervisor/manager.  Mediations are arranged at our center with experienced employment mediators.

Some of the advantages of employment mediation are:  

• Fair and Neutral
  Parties have an equal say in the process and decide settlement terms, not the mediator. There is no determination of guilt or innocence in the process.
• Saves Time and Money
  Mediation usually occurs early in the charge process, and many mediations are completed in one meeting. Legal or other representation is optional but not required.
• Confidential
  All parties sign a confidentiality agreement. Information disclosed during mediation will not be revealed to anyone.
• Avoids Litigation
  Lengthy litigation CAN be avoided. Mediation costs less than a lawsuit and avoids the uncertainty of judicial outcome.
• Fosters Cooperation
  Mediation fosters a problem solving approach to complaints and workplace disruptions are reduced.
• Improves Communication
  Mediation provides a neutral and confidential setting where both parties can openly discuss their views on the underlying dispute. Enhanced communication can lead to mutually satisfactory resolutions.
• Discovers the Real Issues in the Workplace
  Parties share information, which can lead to a better understanding of issues affecting the workplace.
• Designs Custom Solutions
  A neutral third party assists the parties in reaching a voluntary, mutually beneficial resolution. Mediation can resolve all issues important to the parties, not just the underlying legal dispute.
• Everyone Wins
  An independent survey showed 96% of all respondents and 91% of all charging parties who used mediation would use it again if offered.

Although employment mediation is free to the participants, the referring organizations provide a stipend to the Community Mediation Center for this service.