In the event the City, as a result of exigent circumstances (as this term is defined under Ohio law developed under R.C. 4117) that were unforseen at the time of negotiations or the passage of legislation which conflicts with the terms of the agreement, finds it necessary to seek a change or changes to a term or terms of this contract, the city, after approval by city council, shall notify the union of the proposed change or changes. The union may, within ten (10) calendar days of such notice, submit a written demand to bargain over such change or changes.
Should the union demand to bargain as provided herein, the parties shall engage in good faith bargaining for a period of not less than five (5) days and not more than ten (10) days. Bargaining shall be conducted by teams consisting of not more than four (4) persons, unless a larger number is mutually agreed to by the City and the union.
If the bargaining teams have not reached agreement by the end of the bargaining period, the parties will engage in mediation for a period of not more than ten (10) days, or until a resolution is reached or impasse is declared by either party, whichever first occurs. The mediator shall be assigned by the State Employment Relations Board, unless the parties mutually agree on a mediator.
If the parties have not reached agreement by the end of the mediation period, the City may elect to submit the unresolved issue or issues to conciliation. The conciliator shall be selected and the hearing conducted in accordance with the provisions of R.C. 4117 and the implementing provisions of the Ohio Administrative Code. The City shall maintain the status quo until the conciliator provides his or her decision.