JDSupra (02/24/2012) Robin E. Shea

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s strategic plan for the next four years involves focusing on systemic discrimination, enforcement, and making examples of companies. Companies that find themselves caught up in an EEOC enforcement action should use the EEOC’s mediation program, which is free. During the mediation process, refrain from verbally accosting your former employee. Civility can go a long way in resolving the issues at hand. See how much progress you can make with opposing counsel before entering the formal mediation process. If a deal is reached, have it signed on the spot, even if you’ll be putting together a formal agreement later.