R 423.503 Mediation.

Rule 3. (1) It is the policy of the commission to encourage parties to a labor dispute to settle their disputes through the collective bargaining process subject to section 30 of 1939 PA 176, MCL 423.30, and section 15 of 1947 PA 336, MCL 423.215. If the issues in dispute cannot be resolved through the collective bargaining process, then either party may request, or the commission may initiate, mediation. (2) Upon the request of 1 of the parties to the dispute, or upon its own initiative, the commission shall appoint a mediator. (3) The mediator may do any of the following: (a) Arrange for, hold, adjourn, or reconvene a conference or conferences between the disputants or any of their representatives, or both. (b) Direct the disputants or their representatives, or both, to attend the conference and submit, either orally or in writing, their disputes. (c) Discuss the disputes with the disputants or their representatives. (d) Assist in negotiating and drafting agreements for the adjustment or settlement of the disputes. (4) A mediator shall be subject to the confidentiality requirements imposed by the provisions of 1939 PA 176, MCL 423.1 to 423.30, and 1947 PA 336, MCL 423.201 to 423.217.