Formal Procedure No different or additional Work or contractual obligations will be authorized or performed unless contemplated within the Scope of Work and memorialized in an amendment or modification of the Contract that is executed in compliance with this Article. No waiver of any term, covenant, or condition of the Contract will be valid unless executed in compliance with this Article. Contractor will not be entitled to payment for Work that is not authorized by a properly executed Contract amendment or modification, or through the express written authorization of HHSC. Any changes to the Contract that results in a change to either the term, fees, or significantly impacting the obligations of the parties to the Contract must be effectuated by a formal Amendment to the Contract. Such Amendment must be signed by the appropriate and duly authorized representative of each party in order to have any effect.
Formal Dispute Resolution 10.6.1 If the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute through the informal procedure described in Section 10.5, then either Party may invoke the formal Dispute Resolution procedures described in this Section 10.6. Unless agreed among all Parties, formal Dispute Resolution procedures, including arbitration or other procedures as appropriate, may be invoked not earlier than sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of the letter initiating Dispute Resolution under Section 10.3.
Expedited Arbitration Procedure The expedited procedure shall be used for either grievances involving Articles exclusively applying to temporary workers or, with the mutual agreement of the Employer and Union, for other grievances. For grievances that do not involve Articles exclusively applying to temporary workers, either the Employer or Union may request in writing that the expedited arbitration procedure be used at the time the Parties are scheduling dates with the arbitrator.
(a) The Employer and Union will develop a stipulation of facts and use affidavits and other time-saving methods whenever possible and when mutually agreed upon.
(b) Case presentation will be limited to preliminary opening statements, brief recitation of facts, witness presentation and closing oral argument. No post hearing briefs shall be filed or transcripts made. The hearing will be completed within one (1) business day unless otherwise agreed upon by the Parties.
(c) The hearing shall be conducted by the arbitrator in whatever manner will most expeditiously permit full presentation of the evidence and arguments of the Parties.
(d) The arbitrator may issue, at their discretion, a bench decision at the conclusion of the hearing or may issue a written award no later than seven (7) calendar days from the close of the hearing excluding weekends and holidays.
(e) All decisions shall be final and binding on the Employer and Union. An arbitration award will be non-precedential if mutually agreed upon by the Parties before the hearing starts. The arbitrator’s award shall be based on the record and shall include a brief explanation of the basis for the award.
Formal Grievance Procedure 1. In the event that a complaint cannot be resolved informally, the parties shall pursue the first step in the formal grievance procedure before making any application for arbitration, unless the College and the AAUP agree in writing to alter the procedure or waive one or more of the steps by proceeding directly to arbitration.
2. Upon written request of the AAUP Contract Compliance Officer, the College shall submit any requested documents in its possession which may be necessary for investigation of the grievance. The College shall deliver such documents as soon as is reasonably possible, but no later than seven (7) days after receipt of a written request.
3. Internal Steps in the Procedure
a. Step One: The Director of Human Resources
(1) Within thirty (30) days of when the AAUP learns of, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have learned of, an alleged violation of the provisions of this Agreement, the AAUP shall submit to the Director of Human Resources a completed Faculty Grievance Form or a dated, signed, written description of the grievance, clearly labeled "grievance" containing substantially the same information as provided for on the Faculty Grievance Form.
(2) Within eight (8) days of receipt of the written grievance, the Director of Human Resources shall convene a meeting to discuss the grievance. Such meeting shall include the grievant(s) and/or the designated representative(s) of the AAUP and shall be scheduled at a time which is mutually convenient to the parties.
(3) The Director of Human Resources shall attempt to determine the facts pertaining to the grievance and shall notify the grievant and the AAUP in writing of his/her decision within eight (8) days in a Grievance Disposition Form or in a document containing substantially the same information as contained in a Grievance Disposition Form, which shall include written details of the reasons which support the decision.
(4) Within eight (8) days after receipt of the disposition of the Director of Human Resources, the AAUP may appeal the decision in writing to the College Grievance Officer, by submitting a Grievance Disposition Reaction Form or a document containing substantially the same information as contained in a Grievance Disposition Reaction Form.
(5) By agreement, the parties may decide to advance the grievance to step two of the procedure, or to appeal directly to arbitration at step D(4) of this article.
Negotiation; Alternative Dispute Resolution The Parties will attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute or controversy arising out of or relating to the performance of services under this Agreement. If the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute, then, pursuant to San Francisco Administrative Code Section 21.36, Contractor may submit to the Contracting Officer a written request for administrative review and documentation of the Contractor's claim(s). Upon such request, the Contracting Officer shall promptly issue an administrative decision in writing, stating the reasons for the action taken and informing the Contractor of its right to judicial review. If agreed by both Parties in writing, disputes may be resolved by a mutually agreed-upon alternative dispute resolution process. If the parties do not mutually agree to an alternative dispute resolution process or such efforts do not resolve the dispute, then either Party may pursue any remedy available under California law. The status of any dispute or controversy notwithstanding, Contractor shall proceed diligently with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the Agreement and the written directions of the City. Neither Party will be entitled to legal fees or costs for matters resolved under this section.
Informal Dispute Resolution (a) Prior to the initiation of formal dispute resolution procedures (i.e., arbitration), the Parties shall first attempt to resolve their dispute at the senior manager level. If that level of dispute resolution is not successful, the Parties shall proceed informally, as follows:
(i) Upon the written request of either Party, each Party shall appoint a designated representative who does not otherwise devote substantially full time to performance under this Agreement, whose task it will be to meet for the purpose of endeavoring to resolve such dispute.
(ii) The designated representatives shall meet as often as the Parties reasonably deem necessary in order to gather and furnish to the other all information with respect to the matter in issue that the Parties believe to be appropriate and germane in connection with its resolution. The representatives shall discuss the problem and attempt to resolve the dispute without the necessity of any formal proceeding.
(iii) During the course of discussion, all reasonable requests made by one Party to another for non-privileged non-confidential information reasonably related to this Agreement shall be honored so that each of the Parties may be fully advised of the other's position.
(iv) The specific format for the discussions shall be left to the discretion of the designated representatives.
(b) Prior to instituting formal proceedings, the Parties will first have their chief executive officers meet to discuss the dispute. This requirement shall not delay the institution of formal proceedings past any statute of limitations expiration or for more than fifteen (15) days.
(c) Subject to Subsection (b), formal proceedings for the resolution of a dispute may not be commenced until the earlier of:
(i) The designated representatives concluding in good faith that amicable resolution through continued negotiation of the matter does not appear likely; or
(ii) Thirty (30) days after the initial written request to appoint a designated representative pursuant to Subsection (a), above, (this period shall be deemed to run notwithstanding any claim that the process described in this Section 11.2 was not followed or completed).
(d) This Section 11.2 shall not be construed to prevent a Party from instituting, and a Party is authorized to institute, formal proceedings earlier to avoid the expiration of any applicable limitations period, or to preserve a superior position with respect to other creditors or as provided in Section 11.6(a).
Dispute Resolution Procedure 21.1 All disputes or grievances arising between the Parties shall as far as practical be resolved at the workplace level through consultation. Accordingly the following procedure must be followed:
21.1.1 Initially the Employee shall discuss any grievance, dispute or claim with their immediate supervisor;
21.1.2 If the matter is not resolved at such a meeting, the Parties may hold further discussions with appropriate senior levels of management;
21.1.3 If the matter cannot be resolved at the workplace level, the Parties agree to refer the matter to Enterprise Initiatives Pty Ltd who will engage a third party mediator to mediate the dispute. Any such mediator will conduct the mediation in accordance with the provisions of Part 13, Division 6 of the Act.
21.2 To the extent that the dispute concerns Employee entitlements or Employer obligations under the Agreement the Employer will ask for the Employee's agreement to seek advice from EI Legal Pty Ltd.
21.3 This dispute resolution procedure does not apply to Employees where the Employer has given notice and reasons for termination according to clause 5 of the Agreement.
21.4 Where the Parties agree to pursue mediation the Parties:-
21.4.1 Will participate in the mediation process in good faith;
21.4.2 Acknowledge the right of other to appoint in writing, another person to act on their behalf in relation to the mediation process;
21.4.3 Agree not to commence any action against the other; and
21.4.4 Agree that during the time when the Parties attempt to resolve the matter:
i) the Parties continue to work in accordance with the contract of employment unless the Employee has a reasonable concern about an imminent risk to his or her health or safety; and
ii) subject to relevant provisions of any state or territory occupational safety law, even if the Employee has a reasonable concern about an imminent risk to his or her health or safety, the Employee must not unreasonably fail to comply with a direction by his or her Employer to perform other available work, whether at the same workplace or another workplace, that is safe and appropriate for the Employee to perform; and
iii) the Parties must cooperate to ensure that the dispute resolution procedures are carried out as quickly as is reasonably possible.
Mediation Procedure The Chairman shall promptly advise the parties of a scheduled Mediation Hearing date. Unless a party requests an expedited procedure, or unless all parties to the proceeding agree to one or more extensions of time, the Mediation Hearing set forth below shall be completed within forty (40) days of BCBSA's receipt of the Complaint. The selected mediators, unless the parties otherwise agree, shall adhere to the following procedure:
i. Each party must be represented by its CEO or other representative who has been delegated full authority to resolve the dispute. However, parties may send additional representatives as they see fit.
ii. By no later than five (5) days prior to the date designated for the Mediation Hearing, each party shall supply and serve a list of all persons who will be attending the Mediation Hearing, and indicate who will have the authority to resolve the dispute.
iii. Each party will be given one-half hour to present its case, beginning with the complaining party (or parties), followed by the other party or parties. The parties are free to structure their presentations as they see fit, using oral statements or direct examination of witnesses. However, neither cross- examination nor questioning of opposing representatives will be permitted. At the close of each presentation, the selected mediators will be given an opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and witnesses. All parties must be present throughout the Mediation Hearing. The selected mediators may extend the time allowed for each party's presentation at the Mediation Hearing. The selected mediators may meet in executive session, outside the presence of the parties, or may meet with the parties separately, to discuss the controversy.
iv. After the close of the presentations, the parties will attempt to negotiate a settlement of the dispute. If the parties desire, the selected mediators, or any one or more of the selected mediators, will sit in on the negotiations.
v. After the close of the presentations, the selected mediators may meet privately to agree upon a recommendation for resolution of the dispute which would be submitted to the parties for their consideration and approval. If the parties have previously agreed to be bound by the results of this procedure, this recommendation shall be binding upon the parties.
vi. The purpose of the Mediation Hearing is to assist the parties to settle their grievances short of mandatory dispute resolution. As a result, the Mediation Hearing has been designed to be as informal as possible. Rules of evidence shall not apply. There will be no transcript of the proceedings, and no party may make a tape recording of the Mediation Hearing.
vii. In order to facilitate a free and open discussion, the Mediation proceeding shall remain confidential. A "Stipulation to Confidentiality" which prohibits future use of settlement offers, all position papers or other statements furnished to the selected mediators, and decisions or recommendations in any Mediation proceeding shall be executed by each party.
viii. Upon request of the selected mediators, or one of the parties, BCBSA staff may also submit documentation at any time during the proceedings.
Dispute Procedure (1) Unless otherwise provided in the Council's Constitution or in this Collective Agreement, any dispute within the registered scope of the Council shall be resolved as set out below:
(a) The General Secretary of the Council shall, after consultation with the Secretary of any relevant Regional Chamber, decide whether any dispute referred to the Council must be dealt with by the Council or the Regional Chamber.
(b) The Council shall, from time to time, adopt, by resolution, guidelines for the General Secretary of the Council to follow in the allocation of such disputes.
(c) When any dispute is allocated to a Regional Chamber in terms of this clause, then such Regional Chamber shall have the same rights, powers and obligations as the Council.
Arbitration Procedure The following procedures shall govern the conduct of any arbitration under this section. All procedural matters relating to the conduct of the arbitration other than those specified below shall be discussed among counsel for the parties and the arbitrator. Subject to any agreement of the parties, the arbitrator shall determine all procedural matters not specified herein.
(a) Within 30 days after the delivery of a Notice of Arbitration, each party shall afford the other, or its counsel, with reasonable access to documents relating directly to the issues raised in the Notice of Arbitration. All documents produced and all copies thereof shall be maintained as strictly confidential, shall be used for no purpose other than the arbitration hereunder, and shall be returned to the producing party upon completion of the arbitration. There shall be no other discovery except that, if a reasonable need is shown, limited depositions may be allowed in the discretion of the arbitrator, it being the expressed intention and agreement of each party to have the arbitration proceedings conducted and resolved as expeditiously, economically and fairly as reasonably practicable, and with the maximum degree of confidentiality.
(b) All written communications regarding the proceeding sent to the arbitrator shall be sent simultaneously to each party or its counsel, with a copy to the Additional Notice Parties. Oral communications between any of the parties or their counsel and the arbitrator shall be conducted only when all parties or their counsel are present and participating in the conversation.
(c) Within 20 days after selection of the arbitrator, the Claimant shall submit to the arbitrator a copy of the Notice of Arbitration, along with a supporting memorandum and any exhibits or other documents supporting the Claim.
(d) Within 20 days after receipt of the Claimant’s submission, the Opposing Party shall submit to the arbitrator a memorandum supporting its position and any exhibits or other supporting documents. If the Opposing Party fails to respond to any of the issues raised by the Claimant within 20 days of receipt of the Claimant’s submission, then the arbitrator may find for the Claimant on any such issue and bar any subsequent consideration of the matter.
(e) Within 20 days after receipt of the Opposing Party’s response, the Claimant may submit to the arbitrator a reply to the Opposing Party’s response, or notification that no reply is forthcoming.
(f) No later than twenty (20) days prior to the hearing date scheduled by the arbitrator each party shall provide the other, and the arbitrator, with a list and copies of the documents upon which they may rely and/or submit as exhibits at the hearing and a list of the witnesses they may present, with a reasonably detailed summary of the testimony that each witness may give.
(g) Within 10 days after the last submission as provided above, the arbitrator shall notify the parties and the Additional Notice Parties of the date of the hearing on the issues raised by the Claim. Scheduling of the hearing shall be within the sole discretion of the arbitrator, but in no event more than 30 days after the last submission by the parties, and shall take place within 50 miles of the corporate headquarters of the Company at a place selected by the arbitrator or such other place as is mutually agreed. Both parties shall be granted substantially equal time to present evidence at the hearing. The hearing shall not exceed one business day, except for good cause shown.
(h) Within 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing, the arbitrator shall issue a written decision to be delivered to both parties and the Additional Notice Parties (the “Final Determination”). The Final Determination shall address each issue disputed by the parties, state the arbitrator’s findings and reasons therefor, and state the nature and amount of any damages, compensation or other relief awarded.
(i) The award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final and non-appealable, except as otherwise provided under the applicable Arbitration Act, and judgment may be entered upon it in accordance with applicable law in such court as has jurisdiction thereof.
