FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AG
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1998
(202) 616-2777
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888

ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO LEADS MOVEMENT TO MAKE

GOVERNMENT DISPUTES MORE RESOLVABLE

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno today called together more than 100 representatives from all major federal agencies to urge them to adopt programs to settle disputes in a cheaper, quicker and more friendly manner.

"We should resolve disputes with our citizens with maximum respect and minimum adversity," said Reno. "These programs will help us do that."

The programs promoted by the Attorney General involve the use of mediators, and other so-called neutrals who would be used by parties to help them negotiate settlements of their disputes with the government.

While speaking to the Interagency Working Group on Alternative Dispute Resolution, the Attorney General pointed to the commitment of several agencies, notably the Postal Service, to provide such mediation services for all employees who have made discrimination complaints.

This effort to promote government-wide use of mediation and other dispute resolution programs was initiated by President Clinton who asked the Attorney General in May to lead the effort to install such programs in every federal agency.

The Attorney General observed that the growing number of disputes, especially those brought by federal employees claiming discrimination, is thwarting the ability of many agencies to operate effectively. "In some circumstances, such conflict can result in wasteful, unproductive disputes that divert us from our primary mission, and rob us of the time and resources that we need to do the people's business," said Reno.

To assist her in this effort, the Attorney General has mobilized a team of senior officials, and dispute resolution experts from agencies throughout the federal government to provide assistance in the creation and operation of these programs. Within one year, every federal agency is expected to establish at least one new program to resolve conflicts more efficiently. The Attorney General expects these programs to save taxpayers millions of dollars in coming years.

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