CA AB2126

Either party in a labor dispute may now request mediation after providing written notice of impasse, rather than requiring mutual agreement to mediate.

If parties cannot agree on a mediator within 5 days, either party may request the Public Employment Relations Board appoint one within 5 days of that request.

Public agencies with existing impasse procedures that include binding arbitration are exempt from the mediation requirements.

Employee organizations may voluntarily waive their right to request factfinding in writing.

Factfinding panel criteria are limited to those the factfinders deem relevant to the dispute, and differences subject to factfinding are expanded to include any matter within the scope of representation requiring good faith bargaining.