Mandatory Mediation Prior to and as a condition of either Party’s filing suit in state or federal court, the Parties shall engage in a mediated settlement conference in accordance with the North Carolina Superior Court Rules Implementing Statewide Mediation. The Parties shall mediate in good faith until settlement is reached or an impasse is declared by the mediator.
Negotiation and Mediation If either party serves written notice of a Dispute upon the other party (a “Dispute Notice”), the parties will first attempt to resolve the Dispute by direct discussions between representatives of the parties who have authority to settle the Dispute. In the event the Dispute is not resolved within 15 days by the initial representatives to whom the matter is referred, the Dispute will be escalated for resolution to the CFO of each party. If the parties agree, they may also attempt to resolve the Dispute through mediation administered by a mutually agreed upon mediator.
Conduct of mediation In consultation with the mediator, the parties must determine a location, timetable and procedure for the mediation or, if the parties cannot agree on these matters within 7 Working Days of the appointment of the mediator these matters will be determined by the mediator.
Termination of Mediation The mediation shall be terminated: 1) By the execution of a Settlement Agreement by the Parties; 2) By a written declaration of the mediator to the effect that further efforts at mediation are no longer worthwhile; or 3) By a written declaration of a Party or Parties to the effect that the mediation proceedings are terminated.
Optional Mediation The Parties may mutually agree to non-binding mediation: (a) If the grievance is not resolved at Step 3, either Party may request that a Mediator be appointed to meet with the Parties, investigate and define the issues in dispute and facilitate a resolution. (b) The Mediator shall be appointed by mutual agreement between the Parties. (c) The purpose of the Mediator's involvement in the grievance process is to assist the Parties in reaching a resolution of the dispute, and anything said, proposed, generated or prepared for the purpose of trying to achieve a settlement is to be considered privileged and will not be used for any other purpose. (d) The expenses of the Mediator shall be equally borne by both Parties. (e) The grievance may be resolved by mutual agreement between the Parties.
