U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service: The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
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Diversity Management - Equal Employment Opportunity

IHS Mediation Program

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process whereby a trained neutral party assists in resolving a dispute, or at least narrowing and clarifying issues, in a manner that is acceptable to both sides. Mediation is different than traditional litigation in that it is informal, the rules of evidence do not apply, testimony is not taken, and the mediator does not decide the dispute. It is also different from traditional negotiation in that the neutral party facilitates the discussions, sometimes with both disputants together and sometimes with each side privately.

The mediator, in effect, creates a new forum where the disputants can candidly discuss their concerns. The mediator will not reveal anything from private discussions that one side does not want revealed to the other. Thus, the mediator often will have more information, and a more complete picture of the problem, than either party alone. By virtue of this unique position, the mediator can often help identify options for agreement that were not evident before. Also, the mediator can help assess the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case and help create realistic expectations.

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Why Request Mediation?

Disputes often arise out of communication problems or sheer complexity. Traditional adjudication sometimes exacerbates disputes, unnecessarily solidifies positions, and can result in protracted and costly litigation. Mediators are trained in communication and problem-solving skills, and a session with a mediator can facilitate a constructive exchange of views and develop previously unseen alternatives.

Mediation allows you to control your dispute and resolve the problem yourself, rather than having a judge or some other official decide it for you. Mediation is also fast and economical. Even if you do not resolve the dispute, mediation frequently clarifies and narrows the issues so that litigation proceeds in a more rapid and focused manner.

People sometimes avoid mediation because they confuse it with compromise. Requesting mediation does not mean you wish to compromise. It means you are interested in talking in a confidential setting to determine whether the problem can be resolved without litigation. You retain control. You need not agree to anything that you do not believe is in your best interest.

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Will Mediation Speed up Resolving Disputes?

Yes. It is an informal process to resolve disputes and does not require the legal or formal process that can result in administrative processing delays. Normally, mediation will be completed in a matter of weeks as opposed to possibly months or years. If you reach a satisfactory resolution, your agreement will be recorded in a Memorandum of Agreement and signed by all parties. If mediation is not successful in resolving your complaint, however, you have lost no rights. Your complaint will be processed in accordance with 29 CFR Part 1614.

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Who Are the Mediators?

Mediators in these cases are attorneys and conflict management specialist from the Departmental Appeals Board, Shared Neutrals, and private Contract Mediators. In addition, the EEOC provides mediators who can contribute EEO expertise to the program. The Mediators have special mediation training and considerable practical experience.

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What Cases Are Eligible for Mediation?

Any allegation of employment discrimination in either the informal or formal stage is eligible for mediation. Of course, both sides (Complainant and the Agency) must agree to mediate.

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Who Can Initiate Mediation?

Any IHS employee, supervisor, or manager who is an involved party in the EEO pre-complaint (informal) process and/or the EEO formal process may request mediation.

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What Happens Once Mediation is Requested?

Once mediation is requested and both parties involved in the dispute agree to mediate, a mediator is assigned to the case. The mediator will facilitate the initial conference as well as subsequent sessions as needed. Some of the subsequent sessions may be conducted over the phone. If an agreement is reached, a Settlement Agreement will be drafted and signed by all parties. The EEO complaint will be considered withdrawn once a Settlement Agreement is signed by all parties. If an agreement is not reached, the complaint will be reinstated in the EEO administrative process.

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What About Confidentiality?

Mediators are strictly prohibited from discussing cases with anyone outside of the mediation process. This is designed to assure that no one who might be involved in a possible later adjudication will have any knowledge of what happened during mediation. Also, nothing from the mediation process will be added to the record. The Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 has confidentiality assurances at section 574 that apply in IHS mediations.

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How to Request Mediation?

If you want more information and/or if you would like to request mediation services, please contact:

Pauline Bruce, Director
IHS Diversity Management/Equal Employment Opportunity Program
801 Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 660
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Telephone: 301-443-1108
Fax: 301-443-0096
Email: pauline.bruce@.ihs.gov

Mediator Contact Information

Name Address Contact No.
Sheila Somberg Mediation USA
3551 Monaco Parkway, No. #218, Denver, CO 80237
dkornuth@comcast.com
(303) 725-1797
Greg Moore Moore & Assoc. www.gamconsulting.com (310) 594-9832   (916) 285-7414
Ted Hanley FMCS, Arcada Bldg., Rm-3-A, 111 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601 406) 449-5440
Ron Collatta Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Phoenix Field Office (602) 640-4462
Roselyn Tso, Acting Regional EEO Manager IHS, Northern Region, Portland Area Office, New Federal Bldg., Rm. 476, 1220 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, OR 97204 (503) 326-3154
Dorothy Kent, EEO Specialist IHS, Southwest Region, DM/EEO Program, 7900 S.J. Stock Road, Tucson, AZ (520) 295-2492
Glen Tarkowski Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Minneapolis, MN (612) 331-6667
Beth Schindler Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Seattle District (206) 553-5800
Pete Cinquemani Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Tucson District (520) 749-5850
Dennis Teel Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Phoenix & Navajo District (602) 640-2313
David Martinez Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Albuquerque & Navajo District (505) 899-4462
Linda Gonzales Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Nevada & Montana District (818) 409-1324

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