Common use of Step 3A Clause in Contracts

Step 3A. If the grievance is not resolved at Step 2 and in place of Step 3-B arbitration, the Union and the Employer may mutually elect to pursue resolution of a grievance by referring it in writing to a hearing officer who is mutually agreed upon by the Employer and the Union, for either binding or non-binding mediation. The referral to mediation must be made within ten (10) days after the Step 2 disposition is provided, or was due to be provided if no disposition was made at Step 2. Any decision by the hearing officer in binding mediation shall be fixed and binding on each party. The hearing officer shall have no power to add to, subtract from, delete, modify, alter, or amend any provision of this Agreement. The expense of the hearing officer, except representation fees and witness compensation (each party assumes their own representation fees and witness compensation), is to be borne equally by both parties.

Step 3A. If the grievance is not resolved at Step 2 and in place of Step 3-B 3-­‐B arbitration, the Union and the Employer may mutually elect to pursue resolution of a grievance by referring it in writing to a hearing officer who is mutually agreed upon by the Employer and the Union, for either binding or non-binding non-­‐binding mediation. The referral to mediation must be made within ten (10) days after the Step 2 disposition is provided, or was due to be provided if no disposition was made at Step 2. Any decision by the hearing officer in binding mediation shall be fixed and binding on each party. The hearing officer shall have no power to add to, subtract from, delete, modify, alter, or amend any provision of this Agreement. The expense of the hearing officer, except representation fees and witness compensation (each party assumes their own representation fees and witness compensation), is to be borne equally by both parties.