Statement Of Policy

(1) It is the policy of the State of Tennessee to encourage the use of mediation as a valuable tool for all state employees to resolve workplace issues. Mediation is a process whereby the parties themselves, with the assistance of a third party neutral, seek to develop and agree upon solutions to issues in the workplace. The primary purpose of the Tennessee Employee Mediation Program (“the program”) is to provide a responsive, informal, confidential, and effective means of resolving human resource issues as an alternative to administrative proceedings. (2) Mediation is designed to supplement and not to limit or replace the appeal procedures detailed in the Act. Participation in mediation will not toll the filing deadlines for appeal as described in these rules. Mediation may not be used to circumvent state or departmental policies. (3) The Commissioner is responsible for providing and maintaining the basic standards and guidelines for implementation and administration of this program.