In the absence of an impasse agreement between the parties or the failure of either party to utilize its procedures by August 1st in the even-numbered year preceding the biennium, either party may request the commission to appoint an impartial and disinterested person to act as mediator. It is the function of the mediator to bring the parties together to effectuate a settlement of the dispute, but the mediator shall not compel the parties to agree.

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