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What is Impasse?

What does impasse mean? Impasse is essentially a deadlock between the negotiating parties. If the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) makes a determination of impasse it will refer the case to the State Mediation and Conciliation Service for the assignment of a mediator. If a mediator is unable to effect a settlement, they may certify the dispute to fact-finding for resolution. 

(Source: California Public Relations Board) 

What is Mediation? Factfinding?

The parties meet separately with a PERB assigned mediator, who attempts to broker an agreement. Unlike negotiations, mediation is a confidential process, allowing each side to consider more "what if" questions, than in traditional negotiations. If the efforts of the mediator don't result in a mediator agreement, the next step is to certify the dispute to factfinding for resolution.

 

In factfinding, a panel of three individuals (district, union, and neutral party) review the facts and data presented by each side. They issue a (non-binding) report, including recommendations for a settlement. Each side has the ability to accept or reject the recommendations. If the district rejects the recommendations, it can impose the last best offer presented at impasse. If the union rejects the offer, it is then legally able to go on strike.​​

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