NLRB Launches Pilot of Proactive Alternative Dispute Resolution Program

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced it is launching a new pilot program to enhance the use of its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. The new pilot program will increase participation opportunities for parties in the ADR program and help to facilitate mutually-satisfactory settlements.

Under the new pilot program, the Board’s Office of the Executive Secretary will proactively engage parties with cases pending before the Board to determine whether their cases are appropriate for inclusion in the ADR program. Parties may also contact the Office of the Executive Secretary and request that their case be placed in the ADR program. There are no charged fees or expenses for using the program.

Allowing parties greater control over the outcome of their cases, the NLRB’s ADR program can provide parties with more creative, flexible, and customized settlements of their disputes. In addition to savings in time and money, parties who use the ADR program can broaden their resolution options, making the program particularly useful for cases where traditional settlement negotiations have been unsuccessful.

Participation in the ADR program is voluntary, and a party who enters into settlement discussions under the program may withdraw from participation at any time. A full description of the Board’s ADR program can be found on the Agency’s public website. If you have any questions regarding the program you may contact the Office of the Executive Secretary at (202) 273-1940.