Alternative Dispute Resolution - Washington

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Federal law supporting alternative dispute resolution is found in the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, 5 USC Sec. 571 – 584, and the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 USC Sec. 1 – 16. These laws provide some detail on ADR, but also leave it to various parties (government agencies, for instance) to adopt various forms of alternative dispute resolution.

In addition to the federal law, there are numerous state laws on ADR. In fact, thirty-five states have adopted the Uniform Arbitration Act as state law. Several states have also adopted the Revised Uniform Arbitration Act.

Below is a summary of Washington’s requirements regarding ADR.  Consult the regulatory links for detailed information.

Arbitration

Washington has specific laws governing arbitration of labor disputes in Title 49.  It is the duty of the chairman of the public employment relations commission to promote arbitration.

State

Contacts

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC)

National Labor Relations Board (Region 19)

Regulations

Revised Code of Washington, Title 49, Chapter 49.08

Federal

Contacts

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

National Labor Relations Board

Regulations

The Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, 5 USC sec. 571 – 584

The Federal Arbitration Act, 9 USC sec. 1 – 16