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Who Participates in Mediation?

The employee raising the dispute, a management official with authority to resolve the dispute, who has been appointed by the Agency, and the mediator are the key parties in a mediation. Sometimes the manager involved in the case is an active participant in the mediation. The management official will be responsible for engaging in creative problem solving at the lowest level in the organization. Both parties are entitled to bring with them representatives of their choosing to assist them in the process.

Must a Management Official Participate in Mediation if Elected by the Employee?

Participation by the parties in the mediation process is entirely voluntary. However, supervisors and managers are expected to attempt to resolve conflicts at the lowest levels in the organization and at the earliest stages, where appropriate.