State of Illinois:
I filed a charge of discrimination, harrassment, retaliation against my previous employer. In addition, they made big time FMLA violations, which I think I will have to file separately. The charge went to mediation and my former employer has accepted this offer from EEOC---I was not notified about it. I only found out about this by calling EEOC for an update.
My dilemma is, becoz I have never been to a mediation nor litigation, I have no idea as to what I can expect and what I should be prepared to face and prepare for.
1.) Is a "mediation" the same as a "settlement"?
2.) Is this when the supposed party being charged with the violations, try to offer money to keep everything quiet and not escalate?
3.) When should I get a lawyer involved?
4.) Should I decide not to go thru mediation, what would happen?
I would really appreciate any response especially from the senior members.
Thank you very much.

