National Employment Dispute Resolution Act of 2001 (NEDRA)

The National Employment Dispute Resolution Act of 2001 (NEDRA) proposes a framework to resolve workplace discrimination claims through mediation rather than immediate litigation. Under this bill, federal agencies, courts, and private businesses with at least 20 employees or $20,000 in federal funding would be required to establish internal dispute resolution programs that offer access to independent, certified mediators. For employees, this means having a voluntary, third-party option to address grievances related to age, disability, or civil rights discrimination before pursuing a formal lawsuit. Additionally, the bill would require legal consultants and attorneys to inform their clients of these mediation options and mandates that all parties participate in the process in good faith.