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 bargaining agent 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 and the appropriate remedy implemented. Grievances settled by default cannot be the basis of establishing precedent for the settlement of any other grievance unless mutually negotiated otherwise. Time limits may be extended by mutual agreement.