To request a hard copy of the Office of Conciliation Manual of Procedures (which more fully explains this process), contact us. You may also download a copy of the Manual (pdf).

The Office of Conciliation offers two methods to resolve conflicts:

• Conciliation – In conciliation, the parties are the agents of reaching a just resolution of the conflict, with the assistance of an experienced, impartial conciliator approved by the parties.  The object of conciliation is for the parties to work together to develop a just resolution. The proposed resolution must be accepted by both of the parties in order to be a binding agreement. In this process the conciliator assists the parties in developing proposals for resolution, but does not have the authority to impose a solution without the agreement of the parties.
  
  The Office of Conciliation encourages parties to seek resolution through this process, because persons of good will, committed to the Gospel spirit of love and reconciliation, can often find resolution with the assistance of another committed to that same spirit.

• Arbitration – Because not all conflicts can be resolved through conciliation, arbitration is also offered.  In arbitration, those in conflict agree to allow an experienced, impartial arbitrator approved by the parties to resolve the conflict.  Arbitration adds the important element of the readiness of the parties to accept the decision of the arbitrator as final and binding.

Principles of Conciliation and Arbitration

We encourage all participants in these processes to embrace the following principles:

• That we acknowledge Christ's presence in this process, in discourse, and in prayer
• That we be respectful in speech and manner
• That we strive to open our hearts to the needs and voices of others, in a spirit of good will and justice
• That we recognize that no law can be as compelling as Christ's commandment to love one another
• That we recognize that the ultimate goal is to find Christ and His love for us through reconciliation with Him and each other

How Do I Start the Process? – Conciliation

1. The petitioner submits to the director a completed petition, using the form provided in Appendix A or available on the Archdiocesan website.
2. The director determines whether the petition falls within the scope of allowable disputes as outlined in the Manual. If it does, the director sends a copy of the petition to the respondent and invites the respondent to participate in conciliation. 
3. If the director determines that the petition is non-allowable, the petitioner may request that the question be referred to the Office of Conciliation Board for review.
4. Prior to or at the time of submitting the petition, the petitioner may request the services of an advisor. The respondent may request an advisor at the time that they become aware of the petition, keeping in mind the requirement of Justice in Employment that an employer must consult with legal counsel prior to taking adverse action.
5. Upon receipt of the petition and invitation to participate, respondent should carefully review the petition and this Manual to determine whether respondent is willing and able to participate.  The director should be notified in writing of respondent’s decision within the time specified by the letter of invitation.  By agreeing to participate, the respondent is also agreeing to abide by the principles stated in this Manual.
6. All participants must agree to abide by the “Agreement to Conciliate,” (Appendix B) a document that describes the spirit of confidentiality and other key principles which guide the conciliation process. The parties, the advisors, and the conciliator will be required to sign this document before the actual conciliation process begins.

The conciliator (person who guides and facilitates the conciliation process) shall encourage the parties to come to a solution, but never force them to do so. Conciliators shall strive to conclude the conciliation process within ninety (90) days, except when unusual circumstances justify a longer time, or when the parties wish to continue.


How Do I Start the Process? – Arbitration

1. The petitioner submits to the director a completed petition, using the form provided in Appendix A and available on the Archdiocesan website.
2. The director determines whether the petition falls within the scope of allowable disputes as outlined in the Manual.  If it does, the director sends a copy of the petition to the respondent and invites the respondent to respond to the petition.  
3. Prior to or at the time of submitting the petition, the petitioner may request the services of an advisor. The respondent may request an advisor at the time that they become aware of the petition, keeping in mind the requirement of Justice in Employment that an employer must consult with legal counsel prior to taking adverse action.
4. Participants must agree to abide by the “Agreement to Arbitrate,” (Appendix C) a document that describes the spirit of confidentiality and other key principles that guide the arbitration process. The parties, the advisors, and the arbitrator will be required to sign this document before the actual arbitration process begins.

At the conclusion of the arbitration hearings, the arbitrator shall promptly render the final determination. The determination shall be final and binding upon all parties to the dispute.

To request a hard copy of the Office of Conciliation Manual of Procedures (which more fully explains this process), contact us. You may also download a copy of the Manual (pdf).