Fact-finder's Responsibilities

(1) Authority. The appointed fact-finder shall have the authority and responsibility for the conduct of the fact-finding proceedings, and shall have sole discretion in deciding any issues of procedure. The fact-finder shall immediately advise the Department if a work stoppage has occurred or is imminent. (2) Scheduling of Conferences and Hearings. The fact-finder shall consult with each party concerning the time, date, and place of each meeting or hearing. The fact-finder shall make an effort to expedite the process. The fact-finder shall be the sole judge of scheduling, and the fact-finder's ruling as to time, date, place, adjournment, or continuance of any meeting or hearing shall be final and binding. Prior to any hearing, the fact-finder shall serve upon each party and the Department a written notice of the time, place, and date of such hearing.