Mutually Accepted Mediator. The Employer and the Union agree that at any time prior to the hearing date for an arbitration they may voluntarily agree to use a mutually acceptable mediator in their attempts to resolve the grievance. It is expressly understood and agreed between the parties that any such mediator has no authority or powers under the terms of the Collective Agreement to impose or require the parties to accept their suggested settlement to the matter in dispute. All expenses and fees that may be incurred by such mediator shall be borne equally by the Employer and the Union. Unless otherwise mutually agreed to between the Employer and the Union, this procedure may only be used in situations where grievance mediation services are not available through provincial legislation.
