(A) If negotiations between the parties reach impasse, the following procedures shall be followed unless the parties have agreed in writing to an alternate procedure:
(1) Either party may request from the Board that a mediator with the federal mediation and conciliation service be assigned to the negotiations, unless the parties can agree on a mediator; and
(2) if the impasse continues after a 30-day mediation period, either party may request a list of seven arbitrators from the federal mediation and conciliation service. One arbitrator shall be chosen by the parties by alternately striking names from such list. Who strikes first shall be determined by coin toss. The arbitrator shall render a final, binding, written decision resolving unresolved issues pursuant to Subsection H of Section 10-7E-17 NMSA 1978 and the Uniform Arbitration Act no later than 30 days after the arbitrator has been notified of selection by the parties. The arbitrator's decision shall be limited to a selection of one of the two parties' complete, last, best offer. The costs of an arbitrator and the arbitrator's related costs conducted pursuant to this subsection shall be shared equally by the parties. Each party shall be responsible for bearing the cost of presenting its case. The decision shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to the standard set forth in the Uniform Arbitration Act.
(B) In the event that an impasse continues after the expiration of a contract, the existing contract will continue in full force and effect until it is replaced by a subsequent written agreement. However, this shall not require the public employer to increase any employees' levels, steps or grades of compensation contained in the existing contract.
('74 Code, § 2-2-13) (Ord. 4-1977; Am. Ord. 4-2001; Am. Ord. 2020-045; Am. Ord. 2021-019)