Step 2: Mediation

Mediation begins after 150 calendar days of bargaining if the parties cannot reach an agreement. At that time, one of the parties can request mediation or both sides can agree to continue bargaining. (The parties may mutually agree to go to mediation sooner.) The parties notify the ERB that they need a mediator. The assignment of a mediator can take three to four weeks.

Mediation must be for a minimum of 15 calendar days. [ORS 243.712(2)(a)] Mediation uses an impartial third party to resolve contract differences. The mediator may suggest possible areas of compromise and propose settlement terms.

The State Mediation and Conciliation Section of the Employment Relations Board assigns a mediator to meet with both sides. There is a $1,000 fee for this service. The district and the union each pay half of the fee.

While negotiations are in mediation, the best source of information is the district’s spokesperson or the state mediator assigned to the negotiations. The mediator can be reached through the Employment Relations Board in Salem, (503) 378-6471, or by e-mail at EmpRelBoard@state.or.us.

Any time after 15 days of mediation, either party or the mediator may declare impasse. Written notice of the impasse must be filed with ERB.

See the ERB Web site for a current list of the status of pending mediation cases.

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