- Making arrangements with labor and management representatives for a time, date and place for an arbitration hearing. - Notify parties of applicable cancellation period. - Arranging availability of virtual platform for the hearing, when applicable. - Conducting hearings to evaluate the contentions of the parties regarding disputed contract provisions; - Analyzing information, testimony and evidence presented at hearings, or contained in written briefs, to determine if they support the alleged contract violation; - Reviewing relevant contract language, laws, industry practices, and other arbitration awards and opinions; - Rendering a binding decision or opinion in writing which contains the relevant issues, supporting information, and reasoning. This written decision shall be final and binding in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 150C; - Submitting the written decision or opinion to both the Labor Union and the State Agency involved in the proceedings. A copy of the decision must also be submitted to HRD with the invoice for services rendered; and - Settling the dispute and disposing of the case within thirty (30) days of the final hearing, unless the parties mutually agree to an extension. - Maintaining confidentiality related to the parties involved in the arbitration proceeding in accordance with best practices.
