OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE
DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS

The CAA provides a mandatory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process of counseling and mediation for the settling of complaints. If the parties involved are not able to resolve their dispute through counseling and mediation, an employee may either pursue a non-judicial administrative hearing process with the Office of Compliance or file suit in Federal court. The administrative hearing process offers speedier resolution and greater confidentiality than a Federal civil suit, while still offering the same remedies a court can provide.

Congressional staff in state district offices are covered by the CAA. The Office of Compliance may provide services locally to process claims brought by district office staff.

• The first step: Counseling
• The second step: Mediation
  • Understanding Mediation
• The third step: Administrative Hearing or Civil Action
• The fourth step: Review by the Board of the Office of Compliance

For a complete description of ADR procedures under the CAA, please refer to the Procedural Rules of the Office of Compliance.

See a graphic representation of the CAA ADR process

Complete Procedural Rules of the Office of Compliance