Common use of Initiating and Concluding Bargaining Clause in Contracts

Initiating and Concluding Bargaining. Either party seeking to begin contract bargaining for a school year shall submit a written request from its President or designee to the President or designee of the other party on or before March 15. Upon receipt of the written request, the spokespersons for the respective teams shall select a mutually agreeable date, time, and place for an initial meeting. The initial meeting shall be held on or before April 1, unless postponed by mutual agreement of the respective spokespersons. After the initial meeting the parties agree to try to schedule meetings as often as needed to reach conclusion on non-money items prior to the last teacher day for the current school year. Excluding proposals and/or counterproposals on which tentative agreement has been reached and proposals and/or counterproposals that have been voluntarily withdrawn by the initiating party, all other items still unresolved shall automatically be declared an impasse on the first day of school. Either party may make a written declaration that a state of impasse exists at any time. When a state of impasse is declared, the items causing the impasse will be subject to impasse resolution procedures hereinafter provided. Time lines stated herein may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Should a special session of the state legislature necessitate bargaining, such bargaining shall begin as dictated by the end of the special session and will be conducted in accordance with this procedure.