Neiman Marcus 2009 Annual Report Download - page 488

Step 2 Discuss the dispute with the Associate Relations Department in the corporate offices in Dallas, Texas, whose commitment is
to work with you to get the dispute resolved. If the dispute is still not resolved, then go to Step 3.
Step 3 Present your dispute to a completely neutral third party — a "mediator" — who will be appointed by a neutral, professional
mediation association, to get the mediator's opinion and enlist his or her help in resolving the dispute. If it is still not resolved, then
you must go to the final step, Step 4.
Step 4 Instead of taking a dispute to court — which you and the Company may no longer do — you present your claims to a neutral
and independent "arbitrator" for final and binding arbitration. Generally, the Arbitration Agreement provides for the appointment of
an arbitrator by a completely neutral arbitration association that is recognized as one of the premier, independent arbitration agencies
in the world. They will appoint a neutral arbitrator who is always a lawyer and sometimes a former judge. The arbitrator will conduct
a "trial" where evidence is heard and witnesses are called. Once all the evidence has been reviewed, the arbitrator will issue a final
decision, which is binding on everyone.
MANDATORY ARBITRATION
Fair and efficient resolution of workplace disputes is in everyone's best interest. By entering into or continuing employment with
NMG, associates are deemed to have agreed to be bound by the Arbitration Agreement, and waive all rights to a judge or jury trial for
all disputes.
This brief description of the Arbitration Agreement should be regarded as a general outline, and you should carefully review the terms
and conditions set forth in the Arbitration Agreement itself.
SAFETY AND HEALTH
The Company is committed to protecting the health and safety of its associates, visitors, and the public. The Company's policy is to
maintain its facilities and run its business operations in compliance with all occupational health and safety laws. Associates must
follow all applicable laws and regulations and promptly report to management any unsafe conditions, hazards, broken equipment or
machinery, as well as injuries or accidents on the premises.
To ensure a safe and healthy work environment, associates who contract dangerously communicable diseases must notify their
supervisors immediately.
CONTRACTING WITH OTHER PARTIES
The Company is committed to meeting all of its contractual obligations and associates are expected to know, understand, and honor
the terms of all of its contractual agreements. The Company further expects its associates to compete fairly and ethically for all
business opportunities. All statements, communications, and representations to other parties made in the course of any contract
negotiations must be accurate and truthful. As used in this section, the term "agreement" includes formal contracts, letters of intent,
offer letters, and exchanges of correspondence involving the express or implied acceptance of an offer.
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