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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center is firmly committed to using alternative methods for resolving disputes in all of its activities, where appropriate and feasible. Used properly in appropriate circumstances, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) can provide faster, less expensive and contentious, and more productive results in eliminating workplace discrimination, as well as in the Center operations.
Mediation is a form of ADR that is offered by NASA as an alternative to the traditional investigative and litigation processes. Mediation is an informal, voluntary and confidential process in which a trained mediator assists the parties to reach a negotiated resolution of a charge of discrimination. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong and has no authority to impose a settlement on the parties. Instead, the mediator helps the parties to jointly explore and reconcile their differences.
The use of ADR is fully consistent with NASA Ames' reputation as an agency that promotes full and fair opportunities for its employees and applicants. It is squarely based in the statutes creating and enforced by the Commission Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The use of ADR is also predicated on the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act (ADRA), pursuant to which this policy is being adopted, Executive Orders 12778 and 12871, and the National Performance Review.
An effective ADR program must further the ARC ODEO mission: vigorously enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination and resolving employment disputes. ADR will complement current systems in operation by facilitating early resolution of disputes where agreement is possible, thereby freeing up resources for identifying, investigating, settling, conciliating or litigating other matters. These improvements in our enforcement efforts should, in turn, enhance our credibility as a law enforcement program, encourage victims to come forward, and make the process of filing a charge less daunting. However, as a law enforcement program, we will vigorously enforce the statutes over which we have jurisdiction and will not hesitate to seek appropriate remedies through neutral approaches.
Privacy Policy and Important Notices
Curator: Pepsi Phounrath
NASA Official: Adriana Cardenas
Last Updated: January 23, 2007
