NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES A. It is contemplated that matters included in this Agreement and other areas of common concern to the parties shall be subject to negotiation by mutual agreement between them from time to time during the period of this Agreement. The parties undertake to cooperate in arranging meetings, selecting representatives for such discussions, furnishing necessary information, and otherwise constructively considering the resolving of any such matters.
NEGOTIATION PROCEDURE A. The parties agree to enter into collective negotiations over a successor Agreement in accordance with Chapter 123, Public Laws of 1974 in a good-faith effort to reach agreement on all matters concerning terms and conditions of employment. Such negotiations shall begin no later than the date set by the Public Relations Commission. Any agreement so negotiated shall apply to all Association members. It shall be reduced to writing, and subject to ratification by both parties, be signed by the Board and the Association, and be adopted by the Board.
Mediation Process A. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that may be requested by the City or the PBA. It is an alternative, not a substitute for the formal arbitration process contained in Section 19.7 above. Mediation is an informal process in which a neutral third party assists the opposing parties in reaching a voluntary, negotiated resolution of a charge of discipline. The decision to mediate is completely voluntary for the PBA and the City. Mediation gives the parties the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the charging document, clear up misunderstandings, determine the underlying interests or concerns, find areas of agreement and, ultimately, incorporate those areas of agreement into solutions. A mediator does not resolve the charge or impose a decision on the parties. Instead, the mediator helps the parties to agree on a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediation process is strictly confidential. Information disclosed during mediation will not be revealed to anyone.
Negotiation Teams Neither party in any negotiations shall have any control over the selection of the bargaining representatives of the other party. The parties mutually pledge that their representatives will be clothed with all necessary authority and power to make proposals, counterproposals and to reach tentative agreement on items being negotiated. The parties realize the Agreement shall only be effective subject to the ratification of the BTU-ESP and the School Board. The Negotiation/Labor Management team shall consist of no more than six