S.C. Code Regs. § § 19-718.06

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 19-718.06 - MEDIATION PRIOR TO STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS

A. "Mediation" means an alternative dispute resolution process whereby a mediator who is an impartial third party acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without prescribing what it should be. The process is informal and nonadversarial with the objective of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

B. Once an appeal has been made to the State Human Resources Director and has been determined to meet the jurisdictional requirements for an appeal to be forwarded to the Committee, the State Human Resources Director shall appoint a mediator to the appeal of the following adverse employment actions: terminations, salary decreases based on performance, demotions, suspensions for more than ten days, and reductions in force when the State Human Resources Director determines there is a material issue of fact regarding inconsistent or improper application of the agency's reduction in force plan or policy.

C. The mediator:

1. Shall review the documents which have been submitted by each party to the State Human Resources Director and schedule time(s) and location(s) to meet with both parties, jointly or independently, to attempt to resolve the matter;

2. Has sole authority to determine whether the meeting includes the parties with their representatives, jointly or independently;

3. Should determine when the mediation is not viable, that an impasse exists, or that the mediation should end but the mediation cannot be unilaterally ended without the permission of the mediator; and

4. Should notify each party in writing as to the status of the mediation process no later than ten calendar days prior to the scheduled Committee hearing.

D. Mediation Conferences

1. Mediation conferences are confidential and limited to no more than three representatives, including legal counsel and the covered employee, for each party. An observer who has been assigned to conduct mediations for OHR may attend for training purposes if both parties to the mediation concur.

2. The parties or their representatives attending a mediation conference must have full authority to negotiate and recommend settlement.

3. Each covered employee is entitled to representation at the mediation conference and either the covered employee or his representative must attend. If neither the covered employee nor his representative attend a conference, the covered employee is deemed to have waived his rights to pursue the appeal further unless there is reasonable justification for the failure to attend the conference. The State Human Resources Director shall determine whether or not reasonable justification exists based on documents submitted by the parties on this issue and based on other information available relating to the conference. Documents submitted by the parties on the issue of reasonable justification must be received by OHR no later than 14 calendar days from the date of the scheduled conference. Denial of reasonable justification by the State Human Resources Director concludes the processing of the covered employee's appeal.

4. If the dispute is resolved, the mediator will assist the parties in preparing a written agreement to reflect the terms of the resolution and may consult with the attorney for OHR to assist in drafting the agreement.

E. Confidentiality

1. Any discussions by any of the parties concerned during the mediation process shall be kept confidential and shall not be used or referred to during subsequent proceedings.

2. The mediator may not be compelled by subpoena or otherwise to divulge records or discussions or to testify in regard to the mediation in any adversary proceeding or judicial forum.

3. All records, reports, documents, discussions, and other information received by the mediator while serving in that capacity are confidential.

S.C. Code Regs. § 19-718.06

Added by State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 1, eff January 25, 2002. Amended by State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 5, eff May 28, 2010.