EEOC Expands Scope of Charges Eligible for Mediation

Last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) announced a six (6) month long pilot program to expand the scope of its mediation program. Under this program, the EEOC will be expanding the categories of discrimination charges eligible for mediation and also allows for mediation to occur throughout an investigation in most cases. Currently, only limited categories of charges are referred to the mediation program at the beginning of the charge investigation process. The pilot program will also expand the use of technology to hold mediations by video.

Given the voluntary, informal, and confidential nature of mediation before the EEOC, many employers find the process to be helpful in resolving charges filed by current or former employees. For assistance with litigating or mediating charges filed before administrative agencies or any other labor and employment issue, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Hoffman & Hlavac.  To stay updated on the key labor and employment law developments that affect your workplace, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media.