§16–311.

    (a)    A mediator panel may be used in collective bargaining when:

        (1)    the Montgomery Commission and the employee organization agree to mediation; or

        (2)    an impasse results, and the Montgomery Commission or the employee organization requests mediation.

    (b)    (1)    The Montgomery Commission and the employee organization shall:

            (i)    each choose one mediator from a list supplied by the American Arbitration Association or the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; and

            (ii)    together choose a third mediator from a list supplied by the American Arbitration Association or the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

        (2)    If the Montgomery Commission and the employee organization cannot agree on a jointly appointed mediator, the labor relations administrator shall choose the third mediator.

    (c)    The Montgomery Commission and the employee organization shall share the costs of mediation equally.