The Sad State of Dispute Resolution- Why Can't We Just All Get Along?

Where is the best venue for dispute resolution?

I guess that one way of looking at it depends on where you stand in the dispute.

Your every day average Joe figures to have their best shot in a courtroom, possibly with a sympathetic jury. Businesses tend to favor a professionally managed arbitration proceeding.

The US Supreme Court has recently announced will take up a new arbitration dispute in the fall (CompuCredit Corp. and Synovus Bank v. Wanda Greenwood, 10-948) that is in line with this way of thinking. The Washington Post reported on it earlier this week:

Supreme Court to hear new arguments over arbitration between customers and companies

Perhaps the question best asked here is not what is the best venue for dispute resolution, rather what is the best deterrent to prevent disagreements from escalating into full blown disputes in the first place?

This blog has shared some perspective on his issue, particularly as it relates to the State of Delaware, in the past (here and here).

Are there alternatives?

Universal Recycling Bill

Do you hate separating out your recyclables, paying to have them picked up, or taking them to the recycling center? So much so, that you don’t recycle? Well, no more. A new law was signed Spring of 2010 to offer curbside recycling throughout the state of Delaware.

Starting in fall 2011, recycling bins and a regular recycling collection will be provided to all single-family homes. This service will be expanded to businesses and apartments over the next few years. The goal is to reduce the amount of trash that goes into expensive landfills, thus reducing the cost to the people of Delaware and reducing pollution as well.

The law eliminates the 5 cent deposit on bottles and replaces it with a 4 cent recycling fee. This fee will end by December 1, 2014 or possibly sooner if the recycling fee raises $22 million total. This fee creates the Delaware Recycling Fund, which will help purchase the bins and other equipment needed.

Position Available

Delaware Intercorp wants to expand their company with a new team member. They are looking to fill a part time office position for a responsible, hardworking person with good people skills who isn’t afraid to learn and to work. The skills needed for this position are good phone, written and in person communication skill. The applicant must be organized with a high attention given to detail. Proficiency is needed with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. The applicant must be able and willing to learn new computer applications in a fast paced multi-tasking environment that is their growing company.

Applicant must be able to maintain a pleasant disposition and positive attitude under stressful conditions. The compensation will start at $9.25 hourly rate and schedule advancement at 6 months and 1 year. The schedule will be Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2pm each day. These twenty hour weeks will start a transition to thirty hours per week within several months as training progresses. There are mandatory drug and record screenings.

Send resume to: Delaware Intercorp, Inc, Attn: Angelica Endres, 113 Barksdale Professional Center, Newark, DE 19711; or fax to (302) 266-9940; or email to angelica@delawareintercorp.com