For collective bargaining agreement impasses that continue after mediation and fact finding, the Maine Labor Relations Board facilitates parties seeking Interest Arbitration services, which is the third and final step in the statutory dispute resolution mechanism. The MLRB also facilitates requests for contract Grievance Arbitration services, for disputes regarding contract interpretation.
To request either Grievance Arbitration or Interest Arbitration services from the Board of Arbitration and Conciliation (BAC), please follow these steps:
- Review the rules that govern arbitration – see Chapter 13, Sections 51 through 53 of the MLRB Rules and Chapter 1 of the BAC Rules.
- Complete and sign BAC Form 1 (PDF), in accordance with the rules.
- E-file the request with the BAC by emailing a copy to sbac@maine.gov.
- Serve a hard copy of the request on the other party by mail, hand delivery or delivery service.
A party may choose to seek Interest Arbitration services from a board of 3 private arbitrators instead of the BAC, after providing written notice to the other party.
- Please contact Board staff at (207) 287-2015 for assistance with finding private arbitration services.