Vermont § 2105 - Dispute resolution

§ 2105. Dispute resolution

• (a)(1) If the Commission is unable to reach agreement by August 1, the Commission shall meet
  with the fact finder selected pursuant to section 2104 of this chapter not later than
  August 15. (2) The fact finder may schedule and hold additional meetings with the Commission as necessary.
  The Commission shall furnish the fact finder with all records, papers, and information
  in its possession pertaining to any matter remaining in dispute. (3) The fact finder shall, before issuing his or her decision, attempt to mediate the
  matters remaining in dispute. (4) If the mediation fails to produce an agreement, the fact finder shall, on or before
  September 15, submit a written report to the Commission recommending a reasonable
  basis for the settlement of the matters remaining in dispute. (b)(1) If the Commission is unable to resolve all matters remaining in dispute within 30
  days after receiving the fact finder’s report, the Commission shall submit the matters
  remaining in dispute to the VLRB, arbitrator, or arbitrators selected pursuant to
  section 2104 of this chapter for resolution. (2) The representatives of school employees and the representatives of school employers
  shall submit to the VLRB, arbitrator, or arbitrators their last best offer on all
  issues remaining in dispute prior to the VLRB or arbitration hearing. The VLRB, arbitrator,
  or arbitrators shall select one of the last best offers without amendment, submitted
  by the parties prior to the VLRB or arbitration hearing in its entirety without amendment.
  The parties shall not be permitted to modify their last best offers post hearing.
  Prior to the issuance of the decision of the VLRB, arbitrator, or arbitrators, nothing
  shall prohibit the parties from settling the matters in dispute. (3)(A) The VLRB, arbitrator, or arbitrators shall hold a hearing on or before November 15
  at which the Commission members shall submit all relevant evidence, documents, and
  written material, including a cost estimate for the term of the proposal with a breakdown
  of costs borne by employers and costs borne by employees, and each member may submit
  oral or written testimony in support of his or her position on any undecided issue
  that is subject to arbitration. (B) In reaching a decision, the VLRB, arbitrator, or arbitrators shall give weight to
  the evidence, documents, written material, and arguments presented, as well as the
  following factors: