Hearing; notice; ascertainment of desires of employees

The board shall hold a hearing upon reasonable notice and may either dismiss the petition or direct an election or elections, or use other suitable methods to ascertain the wishes of employees. When a hearing has been directed, the board or its agent shall prepare and cause to be served upon the parties a notice of hearing before the board, at a time and place fixed therein. Hearings relative to petitions for representation elections shall have precedence over all other cases. A copy of the petition shall be served with the notice of hearing.