Alternative Dispute Resolution Consortium

Info for Union Officials

Union Officials say this about Mediation:

"Our union uses this program whenever possible because it works so well in resolving grievances:

• Mediation seems to better address the root causes of workplace problems.
• I was impressed with the ADR Consortium mediators’ skills in facilitating an open exchange between the employee and manager, as a first step in finding resolution.

• I observed even "difficult" managers behave more flexibly and be more willing to compromise during mediations.
• After mediations, I notice fewer repeat grievances against the same managers, thanks to improved communication.
• Mediations increase union productivity.
• Out of about 10 mediation cases, nine were resolved in a few weeks, with a maximum of one day's time spent by each party.
• Using mediation, the union can help more employees by not getting tied up with a few time-consuming cases.
• ADR Consortium mediators are free.
• The union pays nothing.
• Our agency pays only local mileage and parking costs.
• The agency lending the ADR Consortium mediator pays its own employee's salary.
• The union may attend the mediation session and speak on the employee’s behalf.
• ADR Consortium mediators address the employees’ interests and do not impose a solution, like a judge does.
• If the mediation does not resolve the case, the union still has legal remedies available, so it has nothing to lose trying mediation.
• Since there is no loser in mediation, the union does not risk losing face and marring its success rate.
• ADR Consortium mediators are professional.
• The ADR Consortium mediators I observed were well-trained and very effective.
• Both sides trusted their objectivity.
• Because ADR Consortium mediators come from another agency, both parties trust the confidentiality of the proceeding more."