Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Workers are increasingly disposed to protest discharges under anti-discrimination legislation, while new judicial and statutory developments have occurred regarding the "employment-at-will" doctrine. Thus, faced with the increasing complexity of litigating termination, employers are beginning to consider dispute resolution alternatives. While approaches based on arbitration, peer review and corporate ombudsmen have generated growing interest, there has been little consideration-so far-of mediation to deal with termination disputes. While recognizing that mediation may not be appropriate for all discharge disputes, this article explores the prospects of using the technique in other cases and discusses an innovative pilot project designed to promote its use.