(1) Upon submission of a request under WAC 391-55-010 or 391-55-020, a member of the agency staff will be assigned as mediator at the discretion of the executive director. If the parties have stipulated to the names of one or more persons who are acceptable to both parties as mediator, their request will be considered in making the assignment.

(2) For negotiations involving a bargaining unit eligible for interest arbitration under RCW 41.56.028, 41.56.029, 41.56.475, 41.56.510, 41.56.516, 41.80.200, 41.80.310, 47.64.300, or 74.39A.270 (2)(c), if an agreement has not been reached by June 1st of the year in which negotiations occurred, a mediator will be preassigned. The parties are encouraged to meet with the mediator as soon as practicable. For bargaining units eligible for interest arbitration under RCW 47.64.300, the parties may still mutually agree to waive mediation under RCW 47.64.230.