In the event that the City fails to answer a grievance within the time required at any step of the grievance procedure, or if the Association fails to appeal the answer given to the next step of the grievance procedure within the time allowed, then the grievance will be considered settled against the side which has defaulted. However, any of the time limits in the grievance procedure may be extended by mutual agreement. Grievances settled by default cannot be the basis of establishing precedent for the settlement of any other grievances.