Common use of Step Four A - Mediation (Optional Clause in Contracts

Step Four A - Mediation (Optional. If, after receiving the answer at Step Three, the grievant remains aggrieved, the employee and/or the Association may, in writing, request that the matter be submitted to mediation with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. This request shall be made within seven (7) days from the receipt of the answer given at Step Three. The Board shall indicate within fourteen (14) days whether it will agree to participate in mediation. If the Board agrees to mediation, it shall include all of the issues set forth in the grievance(s) and be scheduled at the first meeting date available to the mediator, but not later than thirty (30) days after the Board agrees to mediation. If the mediation process is not successful or is not initiated and the employee remains aggrieved, the employee may proceed to Arbitration by filing a request for arbitration with the Superintendent not later than seven (7) days after the mediation is concluded or fourteen (14) days after the employee/Association receive the answer given in Step Three.