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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

MEDIATION: A WAY OF RESOLVING DISPUTES

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process for resolving EEO complaints. Mediation is offered to employees and applicants for employment during both the informal and formal stages of the EEO process. Mediation allows the parties in dispute to try and resolve issues through the use of a neutral third party. The mediator assigned to the case will not be a CMS employee, but is typically, a federal employee from another Agency.

Mediation is a confidential process that can save time, resources, and improve relationships. By agreeing to mediate, you do not waive any of your statutory rights. At the present time, CMS does not offer mediation in cases involving separation and/or termination.