This adjudication scheme deals with labor disputes, which are handled by the Federal Reserve System Labor Relations Panel. Once a party has filed a charge, the Labor Relations Panel may choose to refer the issue to the National Center for Dispute Settlement. The Center investigates the claim, promotes alternative dispute resolution, and determines whether the charging party has established a prima facie case. If the charging party has made such a showing, and the parties do not manage to come to an agreement, a hearing takes place.
The Labor Relations Panel employs the National Center for Dispute Settlement to select a hearing officer. After the hearing has been conducted, the hearing officer prepares a report and recommendations for the Labor Relations Panel. The Panel reviews the recommendations, as well as any exceptions to the recommendations that have been filed by the parties, and may require additional oral arguments or written briefs before making its decision. This decision is the final decision within the agency.