 | It pays to have a strong ADR program
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Over a decade ago the United States Congress passed the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1990. The focus of the Act was to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques to address disputes quickly, cheaply, and amicably before incurring the increased expenses associated with litigation. In 1999, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also amended their regulations to encourage federal agencies to use ADR principles to resolve EEO complaints, a clear signal that the approach was working and gaining widespread acceptance. A typical complaint can take anywhere from two to three years to make its way through the process in order to reach a decision that then can be appealed. According to the EEOC, federal employees file approximately 60,000 informal complaints and 25,000 formal complaints each year. Less than 1% of these claims result in a finding of discrimination. Additionally, it has been estimated that a typical EEO case costs federal agencies between $40,000 and $80,000. These figures do not include additional costs associated with any appeal of the matter or settlement of the complaint. The lost time in terms of productivity for an agency can be enormous. Strong program requires strong manager
Clearly, it pays for agencies to have a strong EEO ADR program, but a strong program requires a strong program manager. Customs recently selected Ms. Catherine M. Cheyssial as Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Manager in the Office of the Special Assistant to the Commissioner (EEO). With an extensive background in mediation and EEO, Ms. Cheyssial is responsible for managing the Customs mediation program as well as for furthering the goals and objectives of the dispute prevention and resolution program for EEO. Prior to her selection as EEO Officer for the Southern California Customs Management Center in 1999, Ms. Cheyssial held the position of ADR Program Manager for the Navy Southwest Region in San Diego, Calif. She was honored for her work in developing and implementing the Navy’s ADR Program as well as conceptualizing and developing the Navy's first Dispute Resolution Center. Ms. Cheyssial's appointment reflects Commissioner Bonner's desire to increase the use of ADR, specifically mediation, in addressing informal and formal EEO complaints. The Commissioner wants to increase accountability and responsibility in the area of discrimination complaints and to resolve more disputes at the earliest possible point.If you have any questions about the mediation process or are interested in getting a dispute resolved through mediation, Catherine Cheyssial can be reached at 619.557.5360, x161. |
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