As the first step in the performance of their duty to bargain, the employer and the employee organization shall endeavor to agree upon impasse procedures. Unless otherwise agreed to by the employee organization and the employer in their impasse procedures, the arbitrator or panel shall issue a decision it deems just and appropriate with respect to each impasse item. If the parties fail to agree upon impasse procedures under this section, the impasse procedures provided in RCW 47.64.210 and 47.64.230 and 47.64.300 through 47.64.320 apply. It is unlawful for either party to refuse to participate in the impasse procedures provided in RCW 47.64.210 and 47.64.230 and 47.64.300 through 47.64.320.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2010 c 283: See notes following RCW 47.60.355.

Prospective application—Savings—Effective dates—2006 c 164: See notes following RCW 47.64.011.