(a) Disputes concerning the interpretation, administration, and application of this chapter, including but not limited to petition and election matters, negotiability of subjects of bargaining, charges of unfair or prohibited labor practices, shall be submitted to the LRA as the exclusive resolution process, unless otherwise noted in this chapter. Findings of the LRA shall be considered as a final award of an arbitrator in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Arbitration Act, Virginia Code Section 8.01-581.01 et. seq, and final determinations of the LRA involving interpretations of this chapter may be appealed to the Loudoun County Circuit Court.
(b) Disputes concerning the administration or interpretation of a collective bargaining agreement will be resolved using the dispute resolution processes defined in the agreement including the use of mediation factfinding, and binding arbitration. A negotiated grievance procedure contained in a collective bargaining agreement shall be the exclusive procedure available to an employee of the bargaining unit covered by that agreement unless another procedure is available as a matter of right provided by state law. Where such alternate procedures are available, an employee's initial election of procedure made at the time of filing the grievance shall be irrevocable.
(c) The parties shall share the costs of dispute resolution processes equally, other than the costs for those matters resolved by the LRA.
(d) The limitations period for filing an unfair labor practice claim shall be six months from the event leading to the claim. The limitations period for all other claims shall be as set forth in the CBA.
(Ord. 21-19. Passed 12-7-21.)