606. MEDIATION PROGRAM

606 ARBITRATION 606.1 Apart from any rights under a collective bargaining agreement, the parties may agree to arbitrate a dispute rather than have the Office adjudicate it. 606.2 An agreement to arbitrate must be reached within thirty (30) business days of the date that the employee files a petition for appeal with the Office. If the parties fail to reach an agreement to arbitrate within this period, the Office shall proceed to adjudicate the matter. 606.3 Within ten (10) business days of the date that the parties submit a written agreement to arbitrate their dispute, the Office shall dismiss the appeal and forward the matter to the American Arbitration Association pursuant to D.C. Code § 1-606.7. SOURCE: As amended by Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 9297 (November 19, 1999).