ÿWPC} wLžrÈ -Â|k; pL…“ò*þ%àˆrÀ R㘆ÿ—ʆ¬Àíîëo,&ÆczÍ{›=ºÅ‰ýØ[qÓ=æ²d£EØ£î&zãëA£4§Z.3@±ü“Ø­ƒfוÜâ'¨–eõúѹüˆæs8n2CËÍõyeÓ»÷$«ñë¯DØ)pòáMŸåÖ7-«sbµ´Åcíö"üBIWRtÓ…Y+]2@z†ŒÄ@&hŽT´þZ ÍR~qífÈ(þ©‹´Yo"\¬»k~ eÊC‹Xv5óýuºYUœu`,hþ_¼' N’`ÒÀ?læKÑ“‘PšsäQ«;é#ƒ»½Ïí ¿°¥È!‹ åolL2,0Öfä`"q‘X„­Æ8sÐ0€½‡Ò‹éo3MH¼ÝÂzc|Ɇ=}ú*M†@HªùfiÞ«9¨.éÂÈ­j’<8Ø26…†fH±:žV ,&úð )qFÂf|<Ûn‚”y{¿aÜá¿0•C…%À£z;NéZöt>‚¢ >`züÑsSÙÿüŸx)^h¨¦d;ž‹lC0’s«e–½ˆý [Ž eõ×X™gõ¿7™y—©Âž&]#ÉUNß %- 0Y3 U@Œ 1uÌ 72A ^ s w 4ƒ — ¦ m¨ 0c¿ " 0u4 0w© 0Š  0 ª 0´J 0Çþ 0ÛÅ 0ï  0D 1‰ÓE\N^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ B`˜\\bis-isa1asprint\LR--LRA1PR4050ÈÇ,,,,ÈÇ0(ÖÃ9 Z‹6Times New Roman RegularX(1ÐË$¡¡Ô€XÕöXXXÔÔUSUS.,Ô(ÖÃ9 Z‹(Times New Roman 3#37=CIQYag­­1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)i)ú=5¸ Û†”4'G˜Corel3|xÿU‹ÿÀÀÀ(;3£$´´Ô2#ÔÚ  Ú0Ú  Ú.Ô3  Ôà0  à Ý ƒ6<'ÝÔ€Xá°XXXÔÔUSUS.,ÔÝ  ÝÔ_ÔMLRB€Chapter€11:€Bargaining€Units€and€Representation€Electionsà0 È àà0 È(#È(#àà0x (# (#àà0Ð x(#x(#àÚ  Ú1Ú  ÚаР(#Ð (# ÐÌßA€\) °°xdE°‡xAßÔ_ÔÐ ˆØ Ðà  àà ` àà ¸ àà  àà h àà À àà  àà p àà È àà  àÔ_Ô(M36<$§§Ý ƒÐË!ÝÔ€Xá°XXXÔÔUSUS.,ÔÝ  Ý(Oé;$µµà0  àÔ2#ÔÚ  ÚaÚ  Ú.Ô3  Ôà0` (#(#à(b·¤$¶¶à0  àà0` (#(#àÔ2#ÔÚ  ÚÚ  Ú.Ô3  Ôà0¸ ` (#` (#à(xir$··à0  àà0` (#(#àà0¸ ` (#` (#àÔ2#Ô(Ú  Ú0Ú  Ú)Ô3  Ôà0¸ (#¸ (#à(ŒÜ$¸¸à0  àà0` (#(#àà0¸ ` (#` (#àà0¸ (#¸ (#àÔ2#Ô(Ú  ÚaÚ  Ú)Ô3  Ôà0h(#(#à(ŸF$¹¹à0  àà0` (#(#àà0¸ ` (#` (#àà0¸ (#¸ (#àà0h(#(#àÔ2#Ô(Ú  ÚÚ  Ú)Ô3  Ôà0Àh(#h(#à(³Àô$ººà0  àà0` (#(#àà0¸ ` (#` (#àà0¸ (#¸ (#àà0h(#(#àà0Àh(#h(#àÔ2#ÔÚ  Ú0Ú  Ú)Ô3  Ôà0À(#À(#à(ǵ{$»»à0  àà0` (#(#àà0¸ ` (#` (#àà0¸ (#¸ (#àà0h(#(#àà0Àh(#h(#àà0À(#À(#àÔ2#ÔÚ  ÚaÚ  Ú)Ô3  Ôà0p(#(#à(F$ïïà0  àà0` (#(#àà0¸ ` (#` (#àà0¸ (#¸ (#àà0h(#(#àà0Àh(#h(#àà0À(#À(#àà0p(#(#àÔ2#ÔÙ ÙÚ  ÚÚ  ÚÙ Ù)Ô3  Ôà0Èp(#p(#àÙ Ùxð–Gaeimquy}Bullet ListBullets List dÝ ƒÐË!ÝÔ€Xá°XXXÔÔUSUS.,ÔÝ  ÝÔ_ÔÖ€ÿÿÖÌÔ  Ôò òCHAPTER€11.€€BARGAINING€UNIT€COMPOSITION€AND€REPRESENTATIONÐ 7 ì ÐMATTERSó óÔ  rÔÐ # Ø ÐÌSUMMARY:€à8 ` àThis€chapter€contains€rules€concerning€petitions€to€create,€modify,Ð û ° Ðor€merge€bargaining€units,€petitions€to€hold€bargaining€agentÐ ç œ Ðelections,€hearings€on€unit€composition€issues,€procedures€forÐ Ó ˆ Ðbargaining€agent€certification€and€decertification,€and€appeals€onÐ ¿t Ðrepresentation€matters.Ы`` x` x ÐÌÓ  ÓÔ  Ôò òà0  àREPRESENTATION€PETITIONS:€PETITIONS€TO€CREATE€OR€MODIFYÐ ƒ8  ÐBARGAINING€UNITS€AND€PETITIONS€TO€HOLD€BARGAINING€AGENTÐ o$  ÐELECTIONSó óÔ ±ÔÐ[ (#(# Ðà X àò òÌÔ  Ôðð€1.€€à0  àTypes€of€Representation€PetitionsÔ Ý ³Ô.€ó ó€Petitions€are€used€to€request€Maine€Labor€RelationsÐ 3è  ÐBoard€(Board)€proceedings€to€create€or€modify€a€bargaining€unit€or€to€conduct€aÐ #Ø  Ðbargaining€agent€election.ò ò€€ó óThe€following€are€the€different€types€of€representationÐ Ä Ðpetitions€used€at€the€Board.ò òÐÿ´(#(# ÐÌà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àUnit€Determination€PetitionÔ Ý tÔ.€ó ó€When€there€is€a€disagreement€on€the€categories€ofР׌ Ðjobs€to€be€included€in€a€bargaining€unit,€a€petition€for€Unit€Determination€shouldÐ Ç| Ðbe€filed€with€the€Board€in€which€the€petitioner€proposes€an€appropriate€bargainingÐ ³h Ðunit.€€A€Unit€Determination€petition€is€also€used€when€the€goal€is€to€sever€a€groupÐ ŸT Ðof€positions€from€an€existing€unit€to€create€a€new€separate€unit€or€to€expand€anÐ ‹@ Ðexisting€unit€by€adding€a€new€group€of€jobs.Ðw,` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àElection€PetitionÔ Ý Ô.ó ó€€An€election€petition€is€necessary€for€a€bargaining€agentÐ O  Ðelection,€a€decertification€election,€or€a€combined€election€to€decertify€theÐ ?!ô Ðincumbent€and€certify€a€new€bargaining€agent.€€Ð+"à` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àUnit€ClarificationÔ (e Ô.ó ó€A€unit€clarification€petition€is€used€when€either€the€employerÐ $¸ Ðor€the€incumbent€bargaining€agent€wishes€to€modify€an€existing€bargaining€unit.€Ð ó$¨ ÐA€unit€clarification€petition€is€the€only€way€to€modify€the€composition€of€a€unitÐ ß%”  Ðduring€the€term€of€a€collective€bargaining€agreement,€absent€agreement€of€theÐ Ë&€! Ðparties.з'l"` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àMerger€PetitionÔ Ý k Ô.ó ó€A€petition€for€a€merger€election€is€used€when€two€bargainingÐ )D!$ Ðunits€that€are€represented€by€the€same€bargaining€agent€want€to€combine€to€form€aÐ *4"% Ðsingle€bargaining€unit.Ðk+ #&` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àPetition€to€InterveneÔ Ý ´ Ô.ó ó€€A€petition€to€intervene€is€appropriate€when€a€third€partyÐ C-ø$( Ðwishes€to€become€a€party€in€a€unit€determination€hearing€or€a€bargaining€agentÐ K Ðelection€or€decertification.Ð7 ì` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô6.€à0` (#(#àPetition€to€contest€exclusionary€designationÔ Ý Ô.ó ó€€A€petition€to€contest€exclusionaryÐ  Ä Ðdesignation€may€be€filed€by€an€individual€who€has€been€excluded€from€collectiveÐ ÿ ´ Ðbargaining€because€his€or€her€position€does€not€fit€within€the€statuteððs€definition€ofÐ ë   Ðcovered€employee.Ð× Œ` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€2.€€à0  àPetitions€Are€Necessary€When€Parties€DisagreeÔ Ý ©Ô.ó ó€€Petitions€are€necessary€when€theÐ ¯d Ðparties€are€unable€to€agree€on€the€composition€of€the€bargaining€unit€or€on€the€designationÐ ŸT  Ðof€the€bargaining€agent.Ћ@ (#(# Ðò òÌÔ  Ôðð€3.€€à0  àWhen€Parties€Agree,€Petitions€Are€Not€NecessaryÔ Ý ñÔ.€€ó óPetitions€are€not€necessary€whenÐ c  Ðthe€parties€have€agreed€on€the€composition€of€the€bargaining€unit€or€when€the€employerÐ S  Ðhas€agreed€to€voluntarily€recognize€the€bargaining€agent.€€Ð?ô (#(# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àAgreement€on€Bargaining€UnitÔ eÔ.€€ó óWhen€the€parties€agree€that€certain€categoriesÐ Ì Ðof€jobs€constitute€an€appropriate€unit,€the€parties€shall€sign€an€Agreement€onÐ ¼ ÐAppropriate€Bargaining€Unit€form€(MLRB€Form€1)€and€file€it€with€the€Board.€TheÐ ó¨ Ðunit€agreed€to€in€a€properly-filed€MLRB€Form€1€may€not€be€challenged€by€eitherÐ ß” Ðparty€for€a€period€of€one€year€from€the€date€of€filing€with€the€Board.€€The€MLRBРˀ ÐForm€1€may€be€modified€or€withdrawn€by€agreement€of€the€parties€at€any€time,€asÐ ·l Ðlong€as€there€is€no€pending€question€concerning€representation.€An€MLRB€Form€1Ð £X Ðsubmitted€to€modify€a€unit€should€indicate€that€nature€of€the€modification.ÐD` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àVoluntary€Recognition€of€Bargaining€Agentó óÔ Ý ÑÔ.€€When€the€parties€agree€that€aÐ g Ðprospective€bargaining€agent€represents€the€majority€of€employees€in€anÐ W  Ðestablished€bargaining€unit,€they€shall€file€a€Voluntary€Recognition€Form€(MLRBÐ C!ø ÐForm€3)€with€the€Board.€€The€voluntary€recognition€may€not€be€challenged€for€oneÐ /"ä Ðyear€from€the€completion€of€the€posting€period€required€by€the€executive€directorÐ #Ð Ðunder€Rule€15€of€this€Chapter.Ð$¼` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àNotice€to€Employees€of€Agreement€or€RecognitionÔ Ý BÔ.€€ó óOnce€a€voluntaryÐ ß%”  Ðrecognition€form€or€an€agreement€on€appropriate€bargaining€unit€has€beenÐ Ï&„! Ðproperly€filed,€the€executive€director€shall€issue€Notices€to€Employees€of€theÐ »'p" Ðfiling.€The€notices€must€advise€employees€of€the€unit€agreement€or€voluntaryÐ §(\ # Ðrecognition,€generally€describe€the€rights€of€employees€and€explain€the€legal€effectÐ “)H!$ Ðof€the€filing.€€The€notices€must€be€distributed€or€posted€by€the€employer€inÐ *4"% Ðaccordance€with€Rule€15€of€this€Chapter.Ðk+ #&` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€4.€€à0  àPetitions€Are€Formal€Requests€for€Board€ActionÔ Ý Ô.ó ó€€Petitions€are€formal€requests€forÐ C-ø$( ÐBoard€action.€€All€petitions€must€be€in€writing,€signed€before€a€notary€public€and€mustÐ K Ðcontain€a€declaration€by€the€petitioner€or€the€petitionerððs€representative€under€penalty€ofÐ 7 ì Ðperjury€that€its€contents€are€true€and€correct€to€the€best€of€the€declarantððs€information€andÐ # Ø Ðbelief.Ð Ä(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€5.€€à0  àWho€May€File€PetitionsÔ Ý 'Ô.€€ó óGenerally,€a€petition€may€be€filed€by€any€public€employer€orÐ ç œ Ðany€public€employee,€group€of€public€employees,€or€public€employee€organizationÐ × Œ Ðrepresenting€the€employees,€whether€or€not€formally€organized.€€The€specific€limitationsÐ Ãx Ðon€who€may€file€petitions€are€listed€below.Яd(#(# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àUnit€Determination€PetitionsÔ ÐÌôÔ.€ó ó€A€unit€determination€petition€may€be€filed€by€anÐ ‡<  Ðemployer,€an€employee,€a€group€of€employees€or€any€individual€or€employeeÐ w,  Ðorganization€acting€on€their€behalf.Ðc ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àBargaining€Agent€Election€PetitionsÔ Ý D Ô.ó ó€€A€bargaining€agent€election€petition€mayÐ ;ð  Ðbe€filed€by€an€employer,€an€employee,€or€a€group€of€employees€or€any€individualÐ +à  Ðor€employee€organization€acting€on€their€behalf.ÐÌ` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àDecertification€ElectionÔ Ý ¥!Ô.ó ó€€A€decertification€election€petition€or€a€petition€toÐ ï¤ Ðdecertify€the€incumbent€bargaining€agent€and€elect€a€new€bargaining€agent€may€beÐ ß” Ðfiled€by€an€employee,€a€group€of€employees€or€any€individual€or€employeeРˀ Ðorganization€acting€on€their€behalf.€€Neither€the€employer€nor€the€incumbentÐ ·l Ðbargaining€agent€may€file€a€decertification€petition€or€cause€a€decertificationÐ £X Ðpetition€to€be€filed.ÐD` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àUnit€Clarification€PetitionÔ Ý $Ô.€€ó óA€unit€clarification€petition€may€be€filed€only€by€theÐ g Ðincumbent€certified€or€recognized€bargaining€agent€or€the€employer.€€ÐW ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àPetition€for€Merger€ElectionÔ Ý '%Ô.€ó ó€A€petition€for€merger€election€may€be€filed€onlyÐ /"ä Ðby€the€employer€or€the€incumbent€bargaining€agent.Ð#Ô` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô6.€€à0` (#(#àPetition€to€InterveneÔ Ý '&Ô.ó ó€€A€petition€to€intervene€may€be€filed€by€an€organizationÐ ÷$¬ Ðseeking€to€intervene€in€a€unit€determination€proceeding,€a€bargaining€agentÐ ç%œ  Ðelection€or€a€decertification€election.ÐÓ&ˆ!` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô7.€€à0` (#(#àPetition€to€Contest€Designation€as€Excluded€EmployeeÔ Ý |'Ô.€€ó ó€Any€employee€whoÐ «(` # Ðdesires€to€contest€the€appropriateness€of€an€exclusionary€designation€which€wouldÐ ›)P!$ Ðoperate€or€has€operated€to€exclude€that€employee€from€the€coverage€of€anÐ ‡*<"% Ðotherwise€applicable€Labor€Relations€Act€may€seek€a€determination€on€theÐ s+(#& Ðappropriateness€of€that€exclusion€by€filing€a€unit€determination€petition.Ð_,$'` (#` (# Ѐ€Ð K-%( Ðò òÔ  Ôðð€6.€€à0  àWhen€to€File€PetitionsÔ Ý ·)Ô.€€ó óThe€following€time€restrictions€apply€to€the€filing€of€petitionsÐ K Ðwith€the€Board.€Ð; ð(#(# Ðò òÌà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àContract€BarÔ ÐÌœ*Ô.€€ó óIf€a€valid€collective€bargaining€agreement€is€in€effect€whichÐ  È Ðcovers€any€or€all€of€the€employees€or€positions€included€in€the€petition,€the€unitÐ  ¸ Ðdetermination€petition,€€election€petition€or€decertification€petition€must€be€filed€inÐ ï ¤ Ðthe€window€period€beginning€90€and€ending€60€days€prior€to€the€expiration€date€ofÐ Û  Ðthat€contract.€€A€petition€filed€more€than€90€days€or€less€than€60€days€prior€to€theÐ Ç| Ðexpiration€of€the€contract€will€be€dismissed.€€Representation€proceedings€properlyÐ ³h Ðinitiated€by€filings€during€the€window€period€may€be€processed€at€any€time€afterÐ ŸT  Ðthe€filing€regardless€of€the€existence€of€a€collective€bargaining€agreement.€€If€thereÐ ‹@  Ðis€no€collective€bargaining€agreement€in€effect€or€the€collective€bargainingÐ w,  Ðagreement€has€expired€and€a€successor€agreement€has€not€become€effective,€a€unitÐ c  Ðdetermination€petition,€an€election€petition€or€a€decertification€petition€may€beÐ O  Ðfiled€at€any€time.€€This€contract€bar€rule€does€not€apply€to€unit€clarificationÐ ;ð  Ðpetitions€or€merger€petitions.Ð'Ü ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àCertification€BarÔ Ý î/Ô.ó ó€€No€question€concerning€representation€may€be€raised€withinÐ ÿ´ Ðone€year€of€a€voluntary€recognition,€certification€by€election€or€attemptedÐ ï¤ Ðcertification.€€An€election€in€which€the€incumbent€bargaining€agent€is€decertifiedÐ Û Ðand€in€which€no€other€prospective€bargaining€agent€appeared€on€the€ballot€is€notÐ Ç| Ðconsidered€a€certification€or€attempted€certification€within€the€meaning€of€thisÐ ³h Ðrule.ПT` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àLimitation€on€Unit€Clarification€PetitionsÔ ÐÌQ2Ô.ó ó€€A€unit€clarification€petition€may€beÐ w, Ðfiled€only€by€the€employer€or€the€incumbent€certified€or€recognized€bargainingÐ g Ðagent.€€A€unit€clarification€petition€is€not€appropriate€unless€the€circumstancesÐ S  Ðsurrounding€the€formation€of€an€existing€bargaining€unit€are€alleged€to€haveÐ ?!ô Ðchanged€sufficiently€to€warrant€modification€in€the€composition€of€the€bargainingÐ +"à Ðunit,€the€parties€are€unable€to€agree€on€appropriate€modifications€and€there€is€noÐ #Ì Ðquestion€concerning€representation.€€Unit€clarification€petitions€may€be€denied€ifÐ $¸ Ðthe€question€raised€should€properly€be€settled€through€the€election€process,€or€theÐ ï$¤ Ðpetition€requests€the€clarification€of€unit€placement€questions€which€could€haveÐ Û%  Ðbeen€but€were€not€raised€prior€to€the€conclusion€of€negotiations€which€resulted€inÐ Ç&|! Ðan€agreement€containing€a€bargaining€unit€description.€€Unit€clarification€petitionsÐ ³'h" Ðmust€not€be€filed€with€such€frequency€as€to€constitute€harassment.ò ò€€ÐŸ(T #` (#` (# Ðó óÌò òÔ  Ôðð€7.€€à0  àContents€of€PetitionÔ Ý Z7Ô.€€ó óThe€original€and€one€copy€of€the€petition€must€be€filed€with€theÐ {*0"% ÐBoard.€€Petition€forms€are€available€from€the€Board.€€The€petition€must€contain:Ðk+ #&(#(# Ðà  àÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àPetitionerððs€NameÔ Ý ‰8Ô.€€ó ó€The€name,€address€and€telephone€number€of€the€petitionerÐ C-ø$( Ðand€any€representative€for€correspondence€other€than€the€petitioner.ÐK` (#` (# Ðà  àÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àEmployerððs€NameÔ Ý ¨9Ô.€ó ó€€The€name€and€address€of€the€employer€of€the€affectedÐ # Ø Ðemployees€and€the€name,€address€and€phone€number€of€a€representative€of€theÐ  È Ðemployer€authorized€to€receive€notices€or€requests€for€information,€if€known€byÐ ÿ ´ Ðthe€petitioner.Ðë  ` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àBargaining€Unit€DescriptionÔ Ý D;Ô.€€ó ó€A€description€of€the€existing€collectiveÐ Ãx Ðbargaining€unit€or€the€unit€claimed€to€be€appropriate€and€the€estimated€totalÐ ³h Ðnumber€of€employees€in€that€unit.€€The€description€must€include€the€jobÐ ŸT  Ðclassifications€of€employees€included€in€or€excluded€from€the€existing€or€proposedÐ ‹@  Ðunit€and€an€estimate€of€the€number€of€employees€in€each€included€classification.€Ð w,  ÐIf€less€than€all€positions€in€any€specific€job€classification€are€proposed€to€beÐ c  Ðincluded€or€excluded€from€the€unit,€the€description€must€include€a€listing€of€theÐ O  Ðpositions€to€be€included€and€excluded.Ð;ð ` (#` (# Ðà  àÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àCollective€Bargaining€AgreementÔ ts’>Ô.ó ó€€A€copy€of€the€current€or€most€recentÐ È Ðcollective€bargaining€agreement€covering€the€bargaining€unit,€if€any.и` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àName€of€Employee€OrganizationsÔ Ý œ?Ô.ó ó€€The€names,€addresses€and€telephoneÐ Û Ðnumbers€of€any€employee€or€employee€organization€other€than€the€petitionerРˀ Ðclaiming€to€represent€any€of€the€employees€in€the€proposed€unit€and€a€copy€ofÐ ·l Ðeach€written€agreement€covering€any€employee€in€that€unit.УX` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô6.€€à0` (#(#àName€of€Proposed€Bargaining€AgentÔ YAÔ.ó ó€The€name€of€the€prospective€bargainingÐ {0 Ðagent€€as€it€will€appear€on€the€ballot,€if€election€is€requested.Ðk ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô7.€€à0` (#(#àOther€factsÔ bBÔ.ó ó€€Any€other€facts€relevant€to€the€petition.ÐC!ø` (#` (# Ðà  àÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô8.€€à0` (#(#àRemedy€SoughtÔ Ý CÔ.ó ó€€A€statement€of€the€action€or€remedy€sought€from€the€Board.Ð#Ô` (#` (# ÐÌÓ€ (ð–y3Óò òà0  àÔ  Ô9.€€à0` (#(#àEmployer€PetitionÔ Ý DDÔ.ó ó€€A€petition€for€unit€determination€or€bargaining€agent€electionÐ û$° Ðsubmitted€by€the€employer€must€include€a€statement€that€one€or€more€employeesÐ ë%   Ðor€employee€organizations€have€presented€to€it€a€claim€to€be€recognized€as€theÐ ×&Œ! Ðrepresentatives€in€a€bargaining€unit.€€ÐÃ'x"` (#` (# Ðà0  àÐ (#(# Ðò òà0  àÔ  Ô10.€€à0` (#(#àAgreement€AttemptedÔ Ý #FÔ.ó ó€€A€petition€for€unit€determination€submitted€by€either€theÐ ›)P!$ Ðemployer€or€an€employee€or€an€employee€organization€must€state€that€the€partiesÐ ‹*@"% Ðare€unable€to€agree€on€an€appropriate€bargaining€unit.Ðw+,#&` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô11.€€à0` (#(#àShowing€of€InterestÔ Ý ŒGÔ.ó ó€€A€petition€for€unit€determination,€bargaining€agent€election,€Ð O-%( Ðor€decertification€submitted€by€an€employee€or€employee€organization€must€beÐ K Ðaccompanied€by€showing€of€interest€forms€from€30%€of€the€employees€in€theÐ 7 ì Ðproposed€or€existing€bargaining€unit.€€€If€both€a€unit€determination€and€aÐ # Ø Ðbargaining€agent€election€are€sought,€the€same€showing€of€interest€forms€may€beÐ  Ä Ðused€for€both€purposes.Ðû °` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô12.€€à0` (#(#àUnit€Clarification€PetitionÔ Ý ùIÔ.ó ó€€A€unit€clarification€petition€must€include€a€listing€ofÐ Ó ˆ Ðthe€job€classifications€to€be€added€or€removed€from€the€unit€and€an€allegation€thatÐ Ãx Ðsince€the€formation€of€the€unit€the€circumstances€have€changed€enough€to€warrantÐ ¯d Ðmodification€of€the€unit.€€The€petition€must€also€include€a€brief€description€of€theÐ ›P  Ðnature€of€the€changed€circumstances€and€a€statement€that€the€parties€are€unable€toÐ ‡<  Ðagree€on€modifications.€€Showing€of€interest€forms€are€not€necessary€for€unitÐ s(  Ðclarification€petitions.Ð_ ` (#` (# Ðà  àÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô13.€€à0` (#(#àPetition€to€Contest€Designation€as€Excluded€EmployeeÔ tsñLÔ.ó ó€€A€petition€to€contestÐ 7ì  Ðdesignation€as€an€excluded€employee€must€include€items€specified€in€numbers€1,Ð 'Ü  Ð2,€4,€and€5€above€and€must€include€a€statement€of€the€specific€facts€upon€whichÐ È Ðthe€dispute€regarding€the€exclusion€is€based.€€No€showing€of€interest€is€required.Ðÿ´` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€8.€€à0  àShowing€of€InterestÔ tsÊNÔ.ó ó€€The€required€showing€of€interest€forms€that€accompany€a€petitionР׌ Ðfor€unit€determination,€bargaining€agent€election€or€decertification€must€be€submitted€toÐ Ç| Ðthe€Board€only.€€The€Board€will€determine€the€adequacy€of€the€showing€of€interest€basedÐ ³h Ðupon€the€estimated€number€of€employees€in€the€proposed€unit.€€The€showing€of€interestÐ ŸT Ðforms€must€comply€with€the€following€requirements.Ћ@(#(# Ðà  àÌ€à0  àò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àForm€of€Evidence.ó óÔ llQÔ€€The€showing€of€interest€must€consist€of€original€separateÐ c Ðdocuments,€with€a€separate€document€being€signed€by€each€individual€prospectiveÐ S  Ðunit€employee€who€supports€creation€of€the€bargaining€unit€or€representation,€andÐ ?!ô Ðmay€be€in€the€form€of€effective€membership€or€authorization€cards€or€statements.€Ð +"à ÐAny€form€of€evidence€filed€with€the€Board€pursuant€to€this€rule€must€contain,€as€aÐ #Ì Ðminimum,€(i)€the€signature€of€the€employee,€(ii)€the€typewritten€or€printed€name€ofÐ $¸ Ðthe€employee,€(iii)€a€handwritten€indication€of€the€date€the€employee's€signatureÐ ï$¤ Ðwas€obtained,€and€(iv)€a€statement€that€the€person€signing€desires€to€beÐ Û%  Ðrepresented€by€the€petitioner€for€the€purposes€of€collective€bargaining.€€AnyÐ Ç&|! Ðsignature€which€is€undated€or€which€shows€that€it€was€obtained€more€than€sixÐ ³'h" Ðmonths€prior€to€the€filing€of€the€showing€of€interest€with€the€Board€is€invalid€forÐ Ÿ(T # Ðthe€purposes€of€calculating€the€showing€of€interest.€€Sample€showing€of€interestÐ ‹)@!$ Ðforms€are€available€from€the€Board.Ðw*,"%` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àAcceptance€of€EvidenceÔ il_VÔ.ó ó€€The€executive€director€shall€make€the€determinationÐ O,$' Ðadministratively€on€whether€the€showing€of€interest€evidence€is€satisfactory€inÐ ?-ô$( Ðform€or€quantity.€€That€determination€is€subject€to€review€only€by€the€Board,€onÐ K Ðthe€basis€that€specific€portions€of€the€showing€were€obtained€by€collusion,Ð 7 ì Ðcoercion,€forgery,€intimidation,€fraud€or€misrepresentation,€or€are€otherwiseÐ # Ø Ðinvalid.Ð Ä` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€9.€€à0  àReview,€Amendment€and€Action€on€PetitionÔ Ý ±XÔ.€ó ó€€The€executive€director€shall€review€theÐ ç œ Ðpetition€for€sufficiency€upon€filing€with€the€Board€and€take€action€in€accordance€with€thisÐ × Œ Ðrule.€€€€ÐÃx(#(# ÐòòóóÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àGrounds€for€DismissalÔ n€ÿYÔ.ó ó€€The€executive€director€shall€dismiss€a€petition€if€it€is€notÐ ›P  Ðfiled€and€adequate€showing€of€interest€forms€are€not€submitted€within€the€timeÐ ‹@  Ðperiods€specified€by€Rule€6€of€this€Chapter.Ðw, ` (#` (# Ðò ò€€€Ð c  Ðà0  àÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àOrder€to€Show€CauseÔ n€x[Ô.ó ó€€At€the€executive€directorððs€discretion,€the€executiveÐ O  Ðdirector€may€offer€a€party€the€opportunity€to€show€cause€why€the€petition€shouldÐ ?ô  Ðnot€be€dismissed€prior€to€dismissing€the€petition.Ð+à ` (#` (# Ðà0  àà ` àÐ (#(# Ðà0  àò òÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àPermitted€AmendmentsÔ  ]Ô.ó ó€€If€the€petition€is€filed€in€a€timely€manner€but€is€notÐ ¸ Ðcomplete,€the€executive€director€shall€serve€on€the€petitioner€a€notice€of€errors€andÐ ó¨ Ðinsufficiencies€in€the€petition€and€shall€provide€a€copy€of€that€notice€to€theÐ ß” Ðrespondent.€€Amendments€to€petitions€must€be€made€within€fifteen€calendar€daysРˀ Ðof€service€of€the€notice€of€insufficiencies.€€Permitted€amendments€are€effective€asÐ ·l Ðif€made€on€the€date€the€petition€was€filed.УX` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àDismissal,€AppealÔ ™_Ô.€ó ó€Insufficient€petitions€which€are€not€amended€during€the€timeÐ {0 Ðperiod€specified€in€paragraph€2€must€be€summarily€dismissed€by€the€executiveÐ k  Ðdirector,€subject€to€appeal€to€the€Board€under€Rule€30€of€this€Chapter.€€The€noticeÐ W  Ðof€appeal€must€state€with€specificity€the€grounds€upon€which€the€request€forÐ C!ø Ðreview€is€based.€€The€Board€shall€review€the€appropriateness€of€the€summaryÐ /"ä Ðdismissal€as€a€matter€of€law€and€may€also€permit€evidence€of€a€party's€excusableÐ #Ð Ðneglect€regarding€failure€to€amend.€€The€Board€shall€allow€oral€argument€uponÐ $¼ Ðrequest€and€may€require€that€the€parties€file€briefs.Ðó$¨` (#` (# Ðà  àÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àNotification€of€PartiesÔ ofúbÔ.€€ó óIf€the€petition€is€complete,€the€executive€director€shallÐ Ë&€! Ðtransmit€an€official€copy€of€the€petition€to€the€respondent€within€24€hours€with€aÐ »'p" Ðletter€indicating€whether€a€response€is€required.€€If€that€transmission€is€made€byÐ §(\ # Ðelectronic€means,€it€must€be€followed€by€a€copy€sent€by€mail.Г)H!$` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€10.€€à0  àPosting€of€Petition€at€MLRB€Offices€and€on€InternetÔ €tËdÔ.ó ó€€The€Board€shall€maintain€anÐ k+ #& Ðofficial€bulletin€board€€upon€which€the€executive€director€shall€post€a€true€copy€of€eachÐ [,$' Ðproperly€filed€petition€and€indicate€on€that€copy€the€date€of€posting.€€Insufficient€petitionsÐ G-ü$( Ðare€not€posted;€amended€petitions€must€be€posted€on€the€day€the€curative€amendment€isÐ K Ðgranted.€€The€purpose€of€the€posting€is€to€inform€the€public€of€the€filing€of€the€petition.€Ð 7 ì ÐThe€posted€petition€may€not€be€removed€until€either€the€election€is€held,€€the€unit€has€beenÐ # Ø Ðagreed€upon€by€the€parties,€a€unit€determination€hearing€has€been€conducted,€or€theÐ  Ä Ðpetition€has€been€withdrawn.€€The€Board€shall€also€publish€notice€of€the€filing€of€theÐ û ° Ðpetition€or€a€copy€of€the€petition€itself€on€the€Boardððs€internet€site.Ðç œ(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€11.€€à0  àResponse€to€Unit€Determination€PetitionÔ n€×hÔ.ó ó€€A€written€response€to€a€unit€determinationÐ ¿t Ðpetition€must€be€filed€with€the€Board€within€15€calendar€days€of€the€date€the€BoardÐ ¯d Ðprovided€the€respondent€with€a€copy€of€the€petition.€€The€response€must€indicate€whetherÐ ›P  Ðthe€respondent€agrees€that€the€unit€proposed€by€the€petitioner€is€appropriate€and€the€basisÐ ‡<  Ðof€any€objection.€€A€copy€of€the€response€must€be€simultaneously€served€on€the€petitionerÐ s(  Ðand€any€other€respondents.€€If€no€response€is€filed€by€a€respondent€within€the€15„dayÐ _  Ðresponse€period,€or€within€an€extension€of€time€allowed€by€the€executive€director,€theÐ K  Ðrespondent€will€be€deemed€to€have€agreed€to€the€appropriateness€of€the€unit€as€proposedÐ 7ì  Ðby€the€petitioner.€Ð#Ø (#(# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àChallenge€to€Showing€of€InterestÔ ll¯lÔ.€ó ó€€If€the€employer€wishes€to€challenge€theÐ û° Ðshowing€of€interest,€the€employer€must€include€with€its€response€an€alphabetizedÐ ë  Ðlist€of€all€employees€in€the€classifications€specified€by€the€petitioner€for€inclusionР׌ Ðin€any€proposed€unit.€€The€alphabetized€list€must€indicate€the€job€classification€ofÐ Ãx Ðeach€employee.€€If€the€employer€fails€to€provide€the€list,€the€Board€will€determineÐ ¯d Ðthe€adequacy€of€the€showing€of€interest€based€upon€the€petitionerððs€estimatedÐ ›P Ðnumber€of€employees€in€the€proposed€unit.€€If€the€employer€challenges€theÐ ‡< Ðauthenticity€of€the€signatures,€copies€of€the€employeesðð€signatures€must€beÐ s( Ðprovided€for€comparison€by€the€Board.Ð_` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àDisagreement€on€Appropriateness€of€UnitÔ n€epÔ.€€ó ó€If€the€respondent€disagrees€withÐ 7!ì Ðany€proposed€unit,€the€response€must€include€a€detailed€description€of€the€unitÐ '"Ü Ðwhich€it€considers€to€be€appropriate.€€The€respondent€shall€estimate€the€totalÐ #È Ðnumber€of€employees€in€that€unit,€state€the€classifications€of€employees€sought€toÐ ÿ#´ Ðbe€included€in€and€excluded€from€the€unit,€and€estimate€the€number€of€employeesÐ ë$  Ðin€each€classification.Ð×%Œ ` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àExclusions€ClaimedÔ n€ØrÔ.€€ó óIf€less€than€all€positions€in€any€specific€classification€areÐ ¯'d" Ðproposed€by€the€respondent€to€be€included€in€or€excluded€from€the€unit,€theÐ Ÿ(T # Ðresponse€must€contain€a€listing€and€description€of€the€positions€to€be€included€andÐ ‹)@!$ Ðexcluded€together€with€the€statutory€basis€for€each€proposed€inclusion€andÐ w*,"% Ðexclusion.Ðc+#&` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€12.€€à0  àResponse€to€Unit€Clarification€Petition.Ô clÎtÔó ó€€A€written€response€to€a€unit€clarificationÐ ;-ð$( Ðpetition€must€be€filed€with€the€Board€within€15€calendar€days€of€the€date€the€BoardÐ K Ðprovided€the€respondent€with€a€copy€of€the€petition.€€The€respondent€shall€file€with€theÐ 7 ì ÐBoard€a€written€response€indicating€whether€it€agrees€with€the€modification€proposed€inÐ # Ø Ðthe€petition€and€the€basis€of€any€objection.€€A€copy€of€the€response€must€beÐ  Ä Ðsimultaneously€served€on€the€petitioner.€€If€no€response€is€filed€by€a€respondent€within€theÐ û ° Ð15„day€response€period,€or€within€an€extension€of€time€allowed€by€the€executive€director,Ð ç œ Ðthe€respondent€will€be€deemed€to€have€agreed€to€the€modification.€ÐÓ ˆ(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€13.€€à0  àResponse€to€Election€Petition€or€Decertification€PetitionÔ VxÔ.€€ó óA€party€wishing€to€object€toÐ «` Ðthe€filing€of€a€bargaining€agent€election€petition€or€a€decertification€election€petition€mustÐ ›P  Ðdo€so€within€5€working€days€of€the€date€the€Board€provided€an€official€copy€of€theÐ ‡<  Ðpetition€to€the€respondent.€€€If€no€response€is€filed€by€a€respondent€within€the€5„dayÐ s(  Ðresponse€period,€the€election€will€be€scheduled.€€The€permissible€objections€are€limited€toÐ _  Ðthe€following:ÐK (#(# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àObjection€to€Timeliness€of€FilingÔ €tîzÔ.ó ó€€A€party€may€object€to€the€petition€on€theÐ #Ø  Ðbasis€that€the€executive€director€incorrectly€determined€that€the€petition€was€filedÐ È Ðwithin€the€time€frames€established€by€Rule€6€of€this€Chapter.€€A€party€makingÐ ÿ´ Ðsuch€an€objection€must€submit€evidence€supporting€a€reversal€of€the€initialÐ ë  Ðfinding,€such€as€a€copy€of€an€applicable€collective€bargaining€agreement.Ð׌` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àObjection€to€Showing€of€InterestÔ €t.}Ô.ó ó€€A€party€may€object€to€the€petition€based€uponÐ ¯d Ða€good€faith€doubt€of€the€sufficiency€of€the€showing€of€interest€submitted.€€AnyÐ ŸT Ðparty€making€such€an€objection€shall€file€with€the€objection€an€alphabetized€list€ofÐ ‹@ Ðthe€employees€in€the€bargaining€unit.€€The€executive€director€will€verify€theÐ w, Ðcontents€of€the€list€with€the€employer€if€it€was€submitted€by€a€party€other€than€theÐ c Ðemployer.€€If€a€party€challenges€the€authenticity€of€the€signatures,€copies€of€theÐ O  Ðemployeesðð€signatures€must€be€provided€by€the€employer€for€comparison€by€theÐ ;!ð ÐBoard.Ð'"Ü` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àObjection€to€Continued€Appropriateness€of€the€Bargaining€UnitÔ €tg€Ô.ó ó€€If€there€hasÐ ÿ#´ Ðnot€€been€any€collective€bargaining€activity€in€the€bargaining€unit€for€five€or€moreÐ ï$¤ Ðyears,€that€is,€there€has€been€no€contract€in€effect€for€over€five€years€and€noÐ Û%  Ðnegotiation€sessions€or€attempts€to€negotiate€have€occurred,€the€employer€mayÐ Ç&|! Ðrespond€to€an€election€petition€by€objecting€to€the€continued€appropriateness€ofÐ ³'h" Ðthe€bargaining€unit€and€requesting€a€unit€determination€hearing.€€If€the€bargainingÐ Ÿ(T # Ðunit€has€been€inactive€for€less€than€five€years€and€is€unrepresented€at€the€time€theÐ ‹)@!$ Ðpetition€is€filed,€the€employer€may€respond€by€objecting€to€the€appropriateness€ofÐ w*,"% Ðthe€bargaining€unit€only€if€the€employer€alleges€that€there€has€been€a€substantialÐ c+#& Ðchange€in€the€circumstances€since€the€expiration€of€the€last€collective€bargainingÐ O,$' Ðagreement€that€warrants€modification€of€the€unit.€€The€employerððs€response€mustÐ ;-ð$( Ðinclude€a€description€of€the€changed€circumstances€affecting€the€continuedÐ K Ðappropriateness€of€the€bargaining€unit€and€a€description€of€the€unit€it€considersÐ 7 ì Ðappropriate.Ð# Ø` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€14.€€à0  àNotices€of€Hearing€and€Notices€of€ElectionÔ €tø…Ô.ó ó€€Once€a€response€is€received€or€the€periodÐ û ° Ðfor€filing€a€response€has€expired,€the€executive€director€shall€schedule€an€election€or€aÐ ë   Ðunit€hearing,€if€a€hearing€is€necessary€to€resolve€the€dispute.€€The€executive€director€shallÐ × Œ Ðissue€Notices€to€employees€and€distribute€them€as€provided€by€this€rule.€ÐÃx(#(# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àNotice€of€HearingÔ  ô‡Ô.ó ó€€When€a€unit€determination€hearing€or€other€type€ofÐ ›P  Ðrepresentation€hearing€is€scheduled,€the€executive€director€shall€prepare€a€NoticeÐ ‹@  Ðof€Hearing€for€delivery€to€the€parties€and€posting€by€the€employer.€€The€NoticeÐ w,  Ðmust€advise€employees€that€a€petition€was€filed€and€must€include€a€statement€ofÐ c  Ðthe€time,€place€and€nature€of€the€hearing,€the€names€of€the€parties€as€determinedÐ O  Ðby€the€executive€director,€and€a€statement€of€the€unit€claimed€to€be€appropriate€byÐ ;ð  Ðthe€petitioner,€by€the€employer€and€by€any€intervenor(s).€€The€Notice€mustÐ 'Ü  Ðgenerally€describe€the€method€by€which€the€matter€will€be€resolved,€the€rights€ofÐ È Ðemployees€and€the€opportunity€for€employees€to€participate€in€the€proceeding.€€Ðÿ´` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àNotice€of€ElectionÔ Ê‹Ô.€€ó óWhen€a€bargaining€agent€election€or€decertification€electionР׌ Ðis€scheduled,€the€executive€director€shall€prepare€a€Notice€of€Election€for€postingÐ Ç| Ðby€the€employer€that€contains€the€information€required€by€Rule€44€of€this€Chapter.€Ð ³h ÐThe€notices€must€advise€employees€of€the€pendency€of€the€bargaining€agentÐ ŸT Ðelection€petition€and€the€period€within€which€intervention€petitions€may€be€filed,Ð ‹@ Ðand€generally€inform€employees€of€their€rights.€Ðw,` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€15.€€à0  àPosting€of€Notices€by€EmployerÔ spSŽÔ.€€ó óWhenever€the€executive€director€prepares€a€noticeÐ O  Ðunder€this€Chapter,€the€executive€director€shall€administratively€determine€whether€theÐ ?!ô Ðemployer€shall€post€the€notices€or€forward€them€to€all€affected€employees€by€postpaidÐ +"à Ðfirst€class€mail€or€by€other€acceptable€means.€€The€executive€director€shall€specify€theÐ #Ì Ðplace(s)€and€period(s)€of€posting,€and€the€manner€of€determining€the€date€of€itsÐ $¸ Ðcommencement.€€The€posting€period€may€€not€be€less€than€7€calendar€days,€except€forÐ ï$¤ Ðextraordinary€circumstances.€€The€employer€shall€take€reasonable€precautions€to€ensureÐ Û%  Ðthat€posted€notices€are€not€altered,€covered,€defaced€or€removed€before€the€completion€ofÐ Ç&|! Ðthe€posting€period€and€shall€notify€the€executive€director€of€satisfaction€of€the€postingÐ ³'h" Ðrequirements.П(T #(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€16.€€à0  àPosting€of€Notices€at€MLRB€Offices€and€on€Internet.Ô  z’Ôó ó€€Any€notice€prepared€under€thisÐ w*,"% ÐChapter€and€distributed€to€an€employer€must€also€be€posted€on€the€official€bulletin€boardÐ g+#& Ðof€the€Board€and€the€Boardððs€internet€site.ÐS,$'(#(# ÐÐ ?-ô$( Ðò òÔ  Ôðð€17.€€à0  àPetitions€to€InterveneÔ €tî“Ô.ó ó€€A€petition€to€intervene€in€a€previously€requested€unitÐ K Ðdetermination€proceeding,€bargaining€agent€election€or€decertification€election€must€meetÐ ; ð Ðthe€requirements€set€forth€in€this€rule.Ð' Ü(#(# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àForm€and€Filing€for€InterventionÔ g€P•Ô.ó ó€€A€petition€to€intervene€must€conform€to€theÐ ÿ ´ Ðrequirements€of€Rule€7€of€this€Chapter,€subsections€1€through€8.Ðï ¤` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àShowing€of€InterestÔ €t]–Ô.ó ó€€The€petition€must€be€accompanied€by€written€evidence€thatÐ Ç| Ðat€least€10€percent€of€the€employees€in€the€unit€proposed€in€the€petition€whichÐ ·l Ðinitiated€the€proceedings€desire€to€be€represented€by€the€intervention€petitioner€forÐ £X  Ðthe€purposes€of€collective€bargaining.€€This€showing€of€interest€evidence€must€beÐ D  Ðfiled€with€the€Board€only€and€is€subject€to€the€requirements€of€Rule€8€of€thisÐ {0  ÐChapter.Ðg ` (#` (# Ðà  àÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àTime€of€FilingÔ €tÖ˜Ô.ó ó€€A€petition€to€intervene€in€a€unit€determination€proceeding,€aÐ ?ô  Ðbargaining€agent€election€or€a€decertification€election€must€be€filed€no€later€thanÐ /ä  Ð10€calendar€days€after€the€date€of€posting€of€the€Notice€of€Hearing€or€Notice€ofÐ Ð ÐElection€required€by€Rule€16€of€this€Chapter.м` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àReview€of€PetitionÔ €tšÔ.ó ó€€The€executive€director€shall€administratively€examine€theÐ ß” Ðpetition€to€intervene€and€its€supporting€documents€for€compliance€with€theÐ Ï„ Ðpertinent€statutory€and€rule€requirements€and€take€appropriate€action,€which€mayÐ »p Ðinclude€granting€or€dismissal€of€the€petition.Ч\` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àNotification€to€PartiesÔ fo\œÔ.€ó ó€€If€the€petition€is€complete,€the€executive€director€shallÐ 4 Ðtransmit€an€official€copy€of€the€petition€to€the€other€parties€within€24€hours€with€aÐ o$ Ðletter€indicating€whether€a€response€is€required.€€If€that€transmission€is€made€byÐ [  Ðelectronic€means,€it€must€be€followed€by€a€copy€sent€by€mail.ÐG!ü` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô6.€€à0` (#(#àPosting€of€PetitionÔ €t=žÔ.ó ó€€The€Board€shall€post€a€true€copy€of€each€granted€petition€toÐ #Ô Ðintervene€upon€its€official€bulletin€board€in€accordance€with€Rule€10€of€thisÐ $Ä ÐChapter.Ðû$°` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô7.€€à0` (#(#àWithdrawal€of€Initial€PetitionÔ foxŸÔ.ó ó€€€Withdrawal€of€the€initial€unit€determinationÐ Ó&ˆ! Ðpetition€or€election€petition€does€not€affect€the€processing€of€a€timely„filed€petitionÐ Ã'x" Ðfor€intervention€where€the€intervenor€successfully€supplements€its€showing€ofÐ ¯(d # Ðinterest€so€as€to€constitute€a€30€percent€showing.€€The€executive€director€shallÐ ›)P!$ Ðspecify€a€reasonable€time€period€for€such€supplementation.€€Originally€filed€cardsÐ ‡*<"% Ðare€considered€current€for€the€purposes€of€supplementation.€Ðs+(#&` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ô(ðð€18€„€ðð€20.€€Reserved.)Ô ,ТÔó óÐ K-%( ÐÔ  ÔÌò òà0  àUNIT€DETERMINATION€AND€UNIT€CLARIFICATION€HEARINGS€ANDÐ 7 ì ÐAPPEALSó óÔ irf¢ÔÐ# Ø(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€21.€€à0  àNotice€of€Unit€HearingÔ fo£Ô.ó ó€€If€necessary€to€resolve€the€dispute€over€the€composition€of€theÐ û ° Ðbargaining€unit,€whether€arising€from€a€unit€determination€petition€or€a€unit€clarificationÐ ë   Ðpetition,€€the€executive€director€may€hold€an€evidentiary€hearing.€€When€a€hearing€isÐ × Œ Ðscheduled,€a€Notice€of€Hearing€must€be€issued€and€distributed€in€accordance€with€Rule€14Ð Ãx Ðof€this€Chapter.€€The€Notice€of€Hearing€and€any€amendments€to€it€must€be€posted€on€theÐ ¯d ÐBoard's€official€bulletin€board€and€a€copy€mailed€to€any€person€or€organization€that€hasÐ ›P  Ðpreviously€requested€notice€of€all€proceedings€on€the€petition.€Ð‡< (#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€22.€€à0  àCriteria€for€Appropriate€Bargaining€UnitsÔ 6¦Ô.€€ó óIn€determining€whether€a€particularÐ _  Ðposition€should€be€included€in€a€unit€or€whether€a€proposed€unit€is€appropriate,€theÐ O  Ðhearing€examiner€is€required€to€apply€the€specific€provisions€in€the€Act€governing€theÐ ;ð  Ðemployees€in€question.Ð'Ü (#(# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àExcluded€EmployeesÔ r€ì§Ô.ó ó€€€Persons€who€are€excluded€from€the€definition€ofÐ ÿ´ Ðemployee€under€the€applicable€Act,€that€is,€26€M.R.S.A.€ðð962(6),€ðð979„A(6),Ð ï¤ Ððð1022(11),€ðð1282(5)€or€ðð1322(2),€may€not€be€included€in€a€bargaining€unit.ÐÛ` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àUnits€Established€by€StatuteÔ r€i©Ô.€€ó óBargaining€units€at€the€University€of€MaineÐ ³h ÐSystem,€the€Maine€Maritime€Academy€and€the€Maine€state€technical€collegesÐ £X Ðmust€conform€to€the€units€established€in€26€M.R.S.A.€ðð1024„A€to€the€extentÐ D Ðrequired€by€that€section.Ð{0` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àCommunity€of€InterestÔ r€ «Ô.ó ó€€In€determining€whether€a€community€of€interest€amongÐ S  Ðemployees€exists,€the€hearing€examiner€shall,€at€a€minimum,€consider€theÐ C!ø Ðfollowing€factors:€€(1)€similarity€in€the€kind€of€work€performed;€(2)€commonÐ /"ä Ðsupervision€and€determination€of€labor€relations€policy;€(3)€similarity€in€the€scaleÐ #Ð Ðand€manner€of€determining€earnings;€(4)€similarity€in€employment€benefits,€hoursÐ $¼ Ðof€work€and€other€terms€and€conditions€of€employment;€(5)€similarity€in€theÐ ó$¨ Ðqualifications,€skills€and€training€of€employees;€(6)€frequency€of€contact€orÐ ß%”  Ðinterchange€among€the€employees;€(7)geographic€proximity;€(8)€history€ofÐ Ë&€! Ðcollective€bargaining;€(9)€desires€of€the€affected€employees;€(10)€extent€of€unionÐ ·'l" Ðorganization;€and€(11)€the€employer's€organizational€structure.У(X #` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€23.€€à0  àConduct€of€HearingÔ r€¯Ô.ó ó€€The€executive€director€shall€conduct€the€hearing,€if€a€hearing€isÐ {*0"% Ðheld.€€The€executive€director€may€order€the€consolidation€of€petitions€for€hearing.€€AsÐ k+ #& Ðhearing€examiner,€the€executive€director€may€require€by€subpoena€the€attendance€andÐ W, $' Ðtestimony€of€witnesses,€the€production€of€books,€records€and€other€evidence€relevant€toÐ C-ø$( Ðissues€raised€by€a€unit€determination€petition,€a€unit€clarification€petition,€or€responses€toÐ K Ðthe€petition.€€The€hearing€examiner€may€also€require€the€submission€of€written€statementsÐ 7 ì Ðof€fact,€position€or€law€prior€to€hearing.Ð# Ø(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€24.€€à0  àNature€of€HearingÔ r€.²Ô.ó ó€€The€purpose€of€the€hearing€is€to€develop€a€full€and€complete€factualÐ û ° Ðrecord.€€Each€party€bears€the€responsibility€of€producing€evidence€to€support€itsÐ ë   Ðcontentions€regarding€the€description€of€an€appropriate€unit€or€the€proposed€clarification.€Ð × Œ ÐAll€testimony€offered€must€be€taken€under€oath€or€affirmation.€€Unless€excused€by€theÐ Ãx ÐBoard,€the€Board's€Hearings€Reporter€shall€record€all€hearings€in€representation€matters.€Ð ¯d ÐThe€transcript€prepared€by€the€Boardððs€Hearings€Reporter€is€the€official€transcript€of€theÐ ›P  Ðhearing.Ї< (#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€25.€€à0  àRules€Regarding€EvidenceÔ r€!µÔ.€€ó óThe€strict€rules€of€evidence€observed€by€courts€do€not€applyÐ _  Ðto€representation€hearings.€€The€following€rules€regarding€evidence€apply:ÐO (#(# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àEvidenceÔ r€?¶Ô.€ó ó€€The€hearing€examiner€shall€admit€evidence€if€it€is€the€kind€uponÐ 'Ü  Ðwhich€reasonable€persons€are€accustomed€to€rely€in€the€conduct€of€serious€affairs.€Ð Ì ÐIrrelevant€or€unduly€repetitive€evidence€may€be€excluded.и` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àRules€of€PrivilegeÔ r€«·Ô.€€€€ó óThe€hearing€examiner€shall€observe€the€rules€of€privilegeÐ Û Ðrecognized€by€law.ÐË€` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àWritten€Evidence;€ExceptionÔ r€Œ¸Ô.ó ó€€No€sworn€written€evidence€may€be€admittedÐ £X Ðunless€the€author€is€available€for€cross„examination€or€subject€to€subpoena,€exceptÐ “H Ðfor€good€cause€shown.Ð4` (#` (# Ðà0  àÐ (#(# Ðò òÔ  Ôðð€26.€€à0  àRights€of€PartiesÔ r€å¹Ô.ó ó€€Any€party€to€the€hearing€shall€have€the€right€to€be€represented€byÐ W  Ðcounsel€or€by€other€representative,€to€examine€and€cross-examine€witnesses,€and€to€offerÐ G!ü Ðdocumentary€and€other€evidence.€€Stipulations€may€be€offered€with€respect€to€any€issue.€Ð 3"è ÐParties€may€request€the€issuance€of€subpoenas.€€The€rules€and€procedures€governing€theÐ #Ô Ðissuance€of€subpoenas€are€set€forth€in€Chapter€12,€Rule€17.€€€The€hearing€examiner€shallÐ  $À Ðallow€oral€argument€upon€request,€and,€after€consultation€with€the€parties,€may€requireÐ ÷$¬ Ðbriefs€to€be€submitted.€€Any€brief€permitted€to€be€filed€must€be€filed€in€the€original€andÐ ã%˜  Ðone€copy.€€A€copy€of€any€brief€filed€with€the€Board€must€simultaneously€be€served€on€allÐ Ï&„! Ðparties€to€the€matter.€€Ð»'p"(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€27.€€à0  àEx€Parte€Communications€ProhibitedÔ r€¾½Ô.ó ó€€€No€party€or€other€person(s)€legally€interested€inÐ “)H!$ Ðthe€outcome€of€a€hearing€may€communicate€òòex€parteóó€either€directly€or€indirectly€with€theÐ ƒ*8"% Ðhearing€examiner€assigned€to€the€case,€in€connection€with€any€issue€of€fact,€law€orÐ o+$#& Ðprocedure.Ð[,$'(#(# ÐÐ G-ü$( Ðò òÔ  Ôðð€28.€€à0  àReport€and€OrderÔ un¿Ô.ó ó€€The€hearing€examiner€shall€render€a€report€and€order€within€aÐ K Ðreasonable€time€either€dismissing€the€petition€in€whole€or€in€part€or€clarifying€the€unit,Ð ; ð Ðdetermining€requests€for€exclusionary€designations,€or€determining€an€appropriate€unitÐ ' Ü Ðand€directing€an€election,€designating€the€organizations€to€appear€on€the€ballot.€€If€theÐ  È Ðreport€and€order€establishes€a€bargaining€unit€different€from€that€proposed,€the€hearingÐ ÿ ´ Ðexaminer€may€require€the€supplementation€of€the€showing€of€interest€forms€prior€toÐ ë   Ðscheduling€an€election.€€The€hearing€examiner€may€also€take€other€appropriate€action.Ð× Œ(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€29.€€€à0  àMisconduct€at€a€HearingÔ r€±ÂÔó ó€-€Misconduct€at€a€unit€hearing€is€subject€to€the€sanctionsÐ ¯d Ðprovided€in€Chapter€12,€Rule€24.ПT (#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€30.€€à0  àAppeal€to€BoardÔ r€•ÃÔ.ó ó€€Any€party€in€interest€aggrieved€by€any€ruling€or€determination€of€theÐ w,  Ðexecutive€director€regarding€a€representation€matter€may€appeal€that€ruling€orÐ g  Ðdetermination€to€the€Board.€€The€appeal€must€be€made€in€writing€and€must€be€madeÐ S  Ðwithin€fifteen€calendar€days€of€the€date€of€the€ruling€or€determination.€€Objections€to€theÐ ?ô  Ðconduct€of€an€election€by€a€Board€agent€must€be€made€in€accordance€with€Rule€54€of€thisÐ +à  ÐChapter.ÐÌ(#(# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àNature€of€AppealÔ e€ÆÔ.ó ó€€The€appellate€proceeding€is€not€a€hearing€òòde€novoóó.€€OnÐ ï¤ Ðappeal,€the€Board€€reviews€the€decision€of€the€hearing€examiner€on€the€basis€of€theÐ ß” Ðevidence€presented€to€the€examiner.€€An€appealing€partyððs€request€for€a€transcriptРˀ Ðof€the€proceedings€before€a€hearing€examiner€must€be€made€with€the€notice€ofÐ ·l Ðappeal€and€in€accordance€with€Chapter€10,€Rule€9.УX` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àMemorandum€of€AppealÔ e€GÈÔ.€ó ó€Within€twenty€calendar€days€of€the€later€of€either€theÐ {0 Ðissuance€of€the€hearing€examiner's€report€and€order€or€service€of€a€requestedÐ k  Ðtranscript€of€the€underlying€representation€proceedings,€the€appealing€party€shallÐ W  Ðfile€a€memorandum€of€appeal€stating,€with€specificity,€all€exceptions€that€it€takesÐ C!ø Ðto€the€hearing€examiner's€findings€of€fact,€conclusions€of€law€or€order.€€TheÐ /"ä Ðmemorandum€must€contain€citations€to€the€specific€record€evidence€or€transcriptÐ #Ð Ðportions€which€support€each€of€the€exceptions.€€The€memorandum€of€appeal€filedÐ $¼ Ðwith€the€Board€must€be€filed€in€original€and€four€copies€and€must€simultaneouslyÐ ó$¨ Ðbe€served€on€all€opposing€parties.€Ðß%” ` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àNotice€of€HearingÔ e€õËÔ.ó ó€€The€hearing€must€be€scheduled€within€a€reasonable€time€fromÐ ·'l" Ðthe€filing€of€an€appeal.€€The€Board€shall€give€at€least€seven€daysðð€notice€of€theÐ §(\ # Ðtime€and€place€of€such€hearing€to€all€parties€in€interest.€€Ð“)H!$` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àRights€of€Parties€to€the€HearingÔ e€hÍÔ.ó ó€€Any€party€to€the€appeal€proceeding,€asÐ k+ #& Ðdetermined€by€the€Board,€has€the€right€to€be€represented€by€counsel€or€by€otherÐ [,$' Ðrepresentative€for€the€purpose€of€offering€oral€argument€requested€by€a€party€orÐ G-ü$( Ðwritten€argument€required€by€the€Board.€€Stipulations€may€be€offered€with€respectÐ K Ðto€any€issue.€€The€burden€of€proving€material€error€on€a€given€issue€rests€with€theÐ 7 ì Ðparty€appealing€that€issue.€€The€Board€shall€allow€oral€argument€and€may€requireÐ # Ø Ðbriefs€to€be€submitted.€€Briefs€must€be€filed€in€the€€original€and€four€copies€withÐ  Ä Ðthe€Board€and€a€copy€must€be€simultaneously€served€on€all€other€parties.€€Ðû °` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àEx€Parte€Communications€ProhibitedÔ e€ÞÐÔ.ó ó€€No€party€or€other€person€legallyÐ Ó ˆ Ðinterested€in€the€outcome€of€the€appeal€may€communicate€òòex€parteóó€either€directlyÐ Ãx Ðor€indirectly€with€any€Board€member€or€assigned€Board€attorney€in€connectionÐ ¯d Ðwith€any€issue€of€fact,€law€or€procedure.ЛP ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô6.€€à0` (#(#àPowers€of€the€ChairÔ e€—ÒÔ.ó ó€€The€Chair€shall€have€all€the€powers€set€forth€in€Chapter€12,Ð s(  Ðsection€13€of€these€Rules.Ðc ` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôà0  à7.€€à0` (#(#àDecision€and€Order€of€the€BoardÔ e€vÓÔ.ó ó€€The€Board€shall€issue€its€decision€and€order,Ð ;ð  Ðin€writing,€pursuant€to€and€consistent€with€its€powers€under€26€M.R.S.A.€ðððð€968,Ð +à  Ð979-G,€1028,€1288,€or€1328.€€A€decision€and€order€must€include€findings€of€factÐ Ì Ðand€conclusions€of€law€and€must€either€affirm€or€modify€the€ruling€orÐ ¸ Ðdetermination€of€the€hearing€examiner€and€specify€the€reasons€for€that€action.€€AÐ ï¤ Ðcopy€of€the€decision€must€be€mailed€to€all€parties€in€interest€or€theirÐ Û Ðrepresentatives€of€record.ÐÇ|` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ô(ðð€31€„€ðð€40.€€Reserved.)Ô diIÖÔó óÐ ŸT ÐÌÔ  Ôò òà0  àELECTIONS€OF€BARGAINING€AGENT€AND€DECERTIFICATIONÐ w, ÐELECTIONSó óÔ  ¡ÖÔ€Ðc(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€41.€€à0  àElection€Procedures€SameÔ €aF×Ô.€€ó óThe€election€procedures€established€by€this€chapter€apply€toÐ ?!ô Ðall€representation€elections€conducted€by€the€Board.€€Decertification€election€proceduresÐ /"ä Ðand€requirements€are€the€same€regardless€of€whether€the€bargaining€agent€facingÐ #Ð Ðchallenge€was€certified€by€the€Board€or€attained€its€status€through€voluntary€recognition.€Ð $¼ ÐQuestions€of€representation€raised€by€an€election€petition€and€a€decertification€petition€forÐ ó$¨ Ðthe€same€bargaining€unit€must€be€resolved€in€one€election.Ðß%” (#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€42.€€à0  àForm€of€ElectionsÔ thüÙÔ.ó ó€€€The€executive€director€shall€conduct€all€elections€by€secret€ballot,€atÐ ·'l" Ðtimes€and€places€and€in€such€manner€as€the€executive€director€may€direct.€€WhenÐ §(\ # Ðdetermining€the€method€of€voting€and€the€selection€of€polling€sites,€the€executive€directorÐ “)H!$ Ðshall€consider€the€total€number€of€eligible€voters,€€the€nature€and€geographic€location€ofÐ *4"% Ðthe€work€station(s)€of€eligible€voters,€the€number€of€eligible€voters€at€each€work€station,Ð k+ #& Ðand€the€expressed€desire€of€the€parties,€if€any.€€The€executive€director€may€require€theÐ W, $' Ðparties€to€attend€a€pre-election€conference€or€participate€in€a€telephone€conference€call€toÐ C-ø$( Ðgive€relevant€information€upon€which€to€base€a€decision€regarding€the€date,€time,€placeÐ K Ðand€manner€of€the€election€or€to€ascertain€the€identity€of€eligible€voters.€€TheÐ 7 ì Ðdetermination€of€all€disputed€questions€by€the€executive€director€regarding€the€date,€time,Ð # Ø Ðplace€and€manner€of€the€election€may€be€appealed€to€the€Board€within€5€working€days€ofÐ  Ä Ðthat€ruling€or€determination,€in€accordance€with€Rule€54€of€this€Chapter.Ðû °(#(# Ðà0  àÐ (#(# Ðò òÔ  Ôðð€43.€€à0  àVoter€EligibilityÔ €RqßÔ.ó ó€€€The€employees€eligible€to€vote€are€those€who€were€employed€on€theÐ Ó ˆ Ðlast€pay€date€prior€to€the€filing€of€the€petition,€who€are€employed€on€the€date€of€theÐ Ãx Ðelection,€and€who€meet€the€applicable€requirements€defining€covered€employees€set€forthÐ ¯d Ðin€26€M.R.S.A.€ðððð€962(6),€979-A(6),€1022(11),€1282(5),€or€1322(2).€Employees€notÐ ›P  Ðworking€on€election€day€because€of€illness,€vacation,€leave€of€absence€or€other€reason€areÐ ‡<  Ðeligible€to€vote€if€they€have€a€reasonable€expectation€of€continued€employment.€€If€theÐ s(  Ðperiod€of€time€between€the€date€of€the€filing€of€the€petition€and€the€date€of€the€electionÐ _  Ðexceeds€six€months,€the€employees€eligible€to€vote€are€those€otherwise€eligible€employeesÐ K  Ðwho€have€been€employed€at€least€six€months€and€who€are€employed€on€the€date€of€theÐ 7ì  Ðelection.Ð#Ø (#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€44.€€à0  àVoter€ListÔ €R¢ãÔ.ó ó€€At€least€15€calendar€days€prior€to€the€election€or€prior€to€the€distribution€ofÐ û° Ðballots€for€any€election€to€be€conducted€by€mail,€the€employer€shall€actually€deliver€toÐ ë  Ðeach€labor€organization€that€is€a€party€to€the€proceeding€and€to€any€individual€petitioner€aР׌ Ðlist€of€the€names€and€addresses€of€the€employees€in€the€unit€who€are€employed€at€the€timeÐ Ãx Ðof€the€submission€of€the€list€and€who€are€otherwise€eligible€to€vote€under€Rule€43€of€thisÐ ¯d ÐChapter.€€A€copy€of€this€voter€list€must€also€be€simultaneously€filed€with€the€Board.€€If€theÐ ›P Ðperiod€of€time€between€the€date€of€the€filing€of€the€petition€and€the€date€of€the€electionÐ ‡< Ðexceeds€six€months,€then€the€list€must€contain€the€names€and€addresses€of€otherwiseÐ s( Ðeligible€employees€who€have€been€employed€at€least€six€months€and€who€are€employedÐ _ Ðon€the€date€of€the€election.€€In€case€of€mail€balloting,€the€Board€may€accept€pre-addressed,Ð K  Ðgummed€labels€from€the€employer€in€satisfaction€of€this€requirement.€€In€large€units,€if€theÐ 7!ì Ðemployer€is€not€able€to€provide€pre„addressed€labels,€the€Board€may€demand€the€list€ofÐ #"Ø Ðeligible€voters€up€to€twenty€calendar€days€prior€to€the€date€of€mail€ballot€distribution.Ð#Ä(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€45.€€à0  àNotice€of€ElectionÔ €R€éÔ.ó ó€€At€least€fifteen€calendar€days€prior€to€the€election,€or€prior€to€theÐ ç$œ Ðdistribution€of€ballots€for€any€election€to€be€conducted€by€mail,€the€executive€directorÐ ×%Œ  Ðshall€prepare€and€distribute€a€Notice€of€Election.€€The€Notice€of€Election€must€specify€theÐ Ã&x! Ðclassifications€or€categories€of€employees€in€the€bargaining€unit€for€which€the€election€isÐ ¯'d" Ðto€be€conducted,€rules€concerning€eligibility€to€vote,€the€choices€presented€to€the€voter,Ð ›(P # Ðand€a€sample€ballot.€€For€a€mail„ballot€election,€the€notice€must€indicate€the€date€theÐ ‡)'Ô.ó ó€€The€executive€director€shall€conduct€a€runoff€election€when€an€electionÐ c Ðin€which€the€ballot€provided€for€three€or€more€choices€ultimately€results€in€no€choiceÐ S  Ðreceiving€a€majority€of€the€valid€ballots€cast.€€A€runoff€election€may€not€be€held€until€anyÐ ?!ô Ðobjections€filed€have€been€resolved€by€the€Board.Ð+"à(#(# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àEligibility€of€Voters€in€Runoff€ElectionÔ .Ð!)Ô.ó ó€€Only€employees€who€were€eligible€toÐ $¸ Ðvote€in€the€initial€election€and€who€remain€in€the€bargaining€unit€on€the€date€of€theÐ ó$¨ Ðrunoff€election€are€eligible€to€vote€in€the€runoff€election.Ðß%” ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àBallot€Format€in€Runoff€ElectionÔ .Д*Ô.€ó ó€The€ballot€in€the€runoff€election€mustÐ ·'l" Ðprovide€for€selection€between€the€choices€receiving€the€largest€and€second€largestÐ §(\ # Ðnumber(s)€of€valid€votes€in€the€initial€election.€€The€order€of€appearance€of€theÐ “)H!$ Ðchoices€on€the€rerun€ballot€are€based€on€the€order€of€appearance€in€the€initialÐ *4"% Ðelection.Ðk+ #&` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€58.€€à0  àCancelled€Elections;€RerunsÔ .Њ,Ô.ó ó€€If€a€scheduled€election€is€cancelled€at€the€request€of€theÐ C-ø$( Ðpetitioner,€the€petitioner€is€barred€for€a€period€of€one€year€from€participating€in€anÐ K Ðelection€in€that€or€a€similar€unit€of€those€employees.€€When€an€election€is€rescheduled€orÐ 7 ì Ðrerun€due€to€a€party's€prohibited€practices,€that€party€may€be€ordered€to€pay€the€costsÐ # Ø Ðoccasioned€by€the€rescheduled€or€rerun€election.Ð Ä(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ô(ðð€59€„€ðð€60.€€Reserved.)Ô muÉ.Ôó óÐ ç œ ÐÌÔ  Ôò òà0  àMERGER€OF€BARGAINING€UNITSó óÔ €t!/Ԁпt(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€61.€€à0  àUnit€mergerÔ e€‘/Ô.ó ó€€Bargaining€units€subject€to€the€Municipal€Public€Employees€LaborÐ ›P  ÐRelations€Law€may€be€merged€in€accordance€with€26€M.R.S.A.€ðð966(4)€and€these€rules.€Ð ‹@  ÐIf€the€same€certified€or€currently€recognized€bargaining€agent€represents€multipleÐ w,  Ðbargaining€units€with€the€same€public€employer,€either€the€employer€or€the€bargainingÐ c  Ðagent€may€file€a€request€to€merge€those€bargaining€units€with€the€executive€director.€€ÐO (#(# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àWhen€Parties€Agree€on€MergerÔ heð1Ô.ó ó€€When€the€certified€or€recognized€bargainingÐ 'Ü  Ðagent€and€the€public€employer€agree€to€merge€two€or€more€bargaining€units€intoÐ Ì Ðone,€they€shall€sign€an€agreement€to€that€effect€and€submit€it€to€the€Board.€€TheÐ ¸ Ðstandard€Agreement€on€Appropriate€Unit€Form€may€be€used€for€this€purpose,Ð ï¤ Ðindicating€that€the€purpose€of€the€agreement€is€to€merge€the€units.€€The€Board€willÐ Û Ðprepare€a€Notice€to€Employees€describing€the€agreement€to€merge€units€and€givingÐ Ç| Ðthe€affected€employees€a€reasonable€period€in€which€to€object.€€If€an€objection€isÐ ³h Ðreceived€by€the€Board€from€an€employee€in€any€of€the€affected€units,€a€mergerÐ ŸT Ðelection€will€be€conducted€in€accordance€with€subsection€2.Ћ@` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àMerger€Election€RequestedÔ e€±5Ô.€€ó óWhen€a€petition€for€merger€election€is€filed€orÐ c Ðwhen€an€employee€objects€to€a€merger€agreed€upon€by€the€parties,€the€executiveÐ S  Ðdirector€shall€order€a€merger€election.€€The€election€will€determine€whether€aÐ ?!ô Ðmajority€of€the€employees€voting€in€each€bargaining€unit€wish€to€be€within€theÐ +"à Ðexpanded€unit.€The€only€question€on€the€ballot€in€a€merger€election€is€approval€orÐ #Ì Ðdisapproval€of€the€proposed€merger.€€The€executive€director€shall€certify€theÐ $¸ Ðbargaining€agent€for€an€expanded€unit€consisting€of€any€bargaining€units€in€whichÐ ï$¤ Ða€majority€of€the€employees€voting€approved€the€merger.€€The€election€proceduresÐ Û%  Ðmust€otherwise€conform€with€sections€41€to€58.€€ÐÇ&|!` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àDecertification€Elections€Take€PrecedenceÔ e€h9Ô.ó ó€€If€a€petition€has€been€filed€by€aÐ Ÿ(T # Ðcompeting€organization€for€decertification€of€the€current€bargaining€agent€for€anyÐ )D!$ Ðof€the€bargaining€units€subject€to€the€merger,€then€the€decertification€petition€takesÐ {*0"% Ðprecedence€over€a€petition€to€merge€bargaining€units.Ðg+#&` (#` (# ÐÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àFrequencyÔ e€;;Ô.ó ó€€Unsuccessful€petitioners€may€not€renew€their€merger€requests€withinÐ ?-ô$( Ðone€year€of€the€date€of€the€filing€of€an€unsuccessful€petition.ÐK` (#` (# Ðà0  àÐ (#(# Ðò òà0  àÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àSupervisors€and€TeachersÔ e€j<Ô.ó ó€€A€bargaining€unit€composed€of€a€majority€ofÐ # Ø Ðsupervisors€may€not€merge€under€this€rule€with€any€other€unit€nor€may€aÐ  È Ðbargaining€unit€of€teachers€merge€with€a€bargaining€unit€of€nonprofessionalÐ ÿ ´ Ðemployees.€€In€such€cases,€a€unit€determination€petition€is€necessary.Ðë  ` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ô(ðð€62€„€ðð€70.€€Reserved.)Ô mu%>Ôó óÐ Ãx ÐÌÔ  Ôò òà0  àUPDATING€RECORDS€AT€BOARD€OFFICESó óÔ f€}>ÔЛP (#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€71.€€à0  àNotification€of€Contract€ExpirationÔ toó>Ô.ó ó€€When€a€party€notifies€the€executive€director€of€theÐ s(  Ðpending€expiration€of€a€contract€as€required€by€the€applicable€statute,€that€notice€will€beÐ c  Ðused€as€evidence€of€continued€activity€of€the€unit€for€purposes€of€Rule€82€of€this€Chapter.€ÐO (#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€72.€€à0  àCopies€of€Collective€Bargaining€AgreementsÔ e€‰@Ô.€€ó óIf€a€valid€collective€bargainingÐ 'Ü  Ðagreement€is€supplied€to€the€Board,€it€will€be€used€to€update€the€Boardððs€records€to€reflectÐ Ì Ðchanges€in€the€name€of€the€previously€certified€or€recognized€bargaining€agent,€in€theÐ ¸ Ðcomposition€of€the€bargaining€unit,€and€as€evidence€of€continued€activity€of€the€unit€forÐ ï¤ Ðthe€purposes€of€Rule€82€of€this€Chapter.€€No€notice€to€employees€of€the€changes€will€beÐ Û Ðposted.€€As€space€limitations€require,€the€Board€may€elect€to€retain€only€those€portions€ofÐ Ç| Ðthe€collective€bargaining€agreement€it€considers€necessary.€Ð³h(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ô(ðð€73€„€ðð€80.€€Reserved.)Ô $¬CÔó óÐ ‹@ ÐÌÔ  Ôò òà0  àREVOCATION€OF€BARGAINING€AGENT€CERTIFICATIONó óÔ f€DÔÐc(#(# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€81.€€à0  àDisclaimer€of€InterestÔ e€…DÔ.ó ó€€€A€certified€or€recognized€bargaining€agent€may€disclaim€interestÐ ;!ð Ðin€representing€a€bargaining€unit€in€accordance€with€this€rule.€Ð+"à(#(# ÐÌà0  à€ò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àContents€of€RequestÔ e€EÔ.€€ó óA€certified€or€recognized€bargaining€agent€wishing€toÐ $¸ Ðdisclaim€interest€in€representing€a€bargaining€unit€must€file€a€written€request€withÐ ó$¨ Ðthe€executive€director.€€The€request€must€include€an€assertion€by€the€bargainingÐ ß%”  Ðagent€that€no€collective€bargaining€agreement€covering€bargaining€unit€membersÐ Ë&€! Ðis€in€effect€and€that€the€bargaining€agent€has€no€outstanding€financial€obligationsÐ ·'l" Ðrelated€to€election€costs,€grievance/arbitration€or€impasse€resolution€proceedings.€€Ð£(X #` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àPosting€of€Disclaimer€NoticeÔ e€UHÔ.ó ó€€If€there€is€no€collective€bargaining€agreement€inÐ {*0"% Ðeffect€and€the€bargaining€agent€asserts€that€there€are€no€outstanding€financialÐ k+ #& Ðobligations,€the€executive€director€will€prepare€a€Notice€of€Disclaimer€for€postingÐ W, $' Ðby€the€employer€or€for€distribution€directly€to€the€affected€employees.€€If€there€is€aÐ C-ø$( Ðcollective€bargaining€agreement€in€effect,€the€Notice€of€Disclaimer€will€not€beÐ K Ðdistributed€until€the€contract€has€expired.€€The€Board€may€require€the€disclaimingÐ 7 ì Ðunion€to€provide€the€Board€with€the€mailing€addresses€of€all€unit€members€toÐ # Ø Ðenable€the€Board€to€distribute€notices€of€the€petition€for€disclaimer.Ð Ä` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àObjection€to€DisclaimerÔ e€ÍKÔ.ó ó€€The€petition€to€disclaim€must€be€denied€upon€theÐ ç œ Ðobjection€of€any€interested€party.€€An€objection€must€be€received€within€15Ð × Œ Ðcalendar€days€of€the€issuance€of€the€Notice.€€ÐÃx` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àConsideration€of€ObjectionÔ or$MÔ.ó ó€€After€receipt€of€an€objection€to€a€petition€toÐ ›P  Ðdisclaim,€the€Executive€Director€shall€consider€the€nature€of€the€objection€andÐ ‹@  Ðtake€appropriate€action.€€This€action€may€include€formal€or€informal€mechanismsÐ w,  Ðto€resolve€the€dispute,€granting€or€denying€the€petition€to€disclaim,€or€scheduling€aÐ c  Ðdecertification€election.€€The€decision€of€the€Executive€Director€may€be€appealedÐ O  Ðto€the€Board€in€accordance€with€Rule€30€of€this€Chapter.Ô‡Xá°XXXá°Ô€€Ð;ð ` (#` (# Ðò òó óÌò òà0  àÔ  Ô5.€€à0` (#(#àEffect€of€DisclaimerÔ e€åOÔ.ó ó€€€Upon€approval€of€a€request€to€disclaim€interest,€theÐ È Ðexecutive€director€shall€revoke€certification€or€recognition.€€€The€petitioner€is€notÐ ¸ Ðallowed€to€file,€or€intervene€in,€a€petition€to€represent€employees€in€the€disclaimedÐ ï¤ Ðbargaining€unit€for€a€one€year€period€following€the€date€of€the€order€revokingÐ Û Ðcertification€or€recognition.ÐÇ|` (#` (# ÐÌò òÔ  Ôðð€82.€€à0  àRevocation€of€Certification€in€Inactive€UnitÔ orøQÔ.€ó ó€The€executive€director€may€revoke€theÐ ŸT Ðcertification€of€a€bargaining€agent€that€has€been€inactive€for€five€or€more€years€if€there€isÐ D Ðno€evidence€of€any€activity€in€the€Boardððs€records€and€no€evidence€of€activity€is€receivedÐ {0 Ðby€the€Board€following€the€notice€requirements€of€this€rule.Ðg(#(# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô1.€€à0` (#(#àInactive€Bargaining€UnitÔ e€éSÔ.ó ó€If€the€Boardððs€records€indicate€that€a€certified€orÐ ?!ô Ðrecognized€bargaining€agent€has€been€inactive€for€a€period€of€five€or€more€years,Ð /"ä Ðthe€Board€may€solicit€information€from€the€parties€on€the€continued€existence€of€aÐ #Ð Ðcollective€bargaining€relationship€in€that€bargaining€unit.€€The€Board€may€requestÐ $¼ Ða€copy€of€any€document€demonstrating€that€a€collective€bargaining€relationshipÐ ó$¨ Ðexists€or€existed€during€the€previous€five€years€or€that€the€bargaining€agentÐ ß%”  Ðsubmitted€a€written€request€to€meet€and€negotiate€during€that€same€time€period.€€IfÐ Ë&€! Ðany€evidence€is€presented€that€indicates€that€the€bargaining€agent€has€been€activeÐ ·'l" Ðduring€the€previous€five€years,€the€Board€may€not€revoke€certification€under€thisÐ £(X # Ðsection.€€Evidence€should€be€liberally€viewed€in€favor€of€continued€certification.Ð)D!$` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô2.€€à0` (#(#àPosting€of€NoticeÔ he8XÔ.€€ó óIf€the€Board€is€not€able€to€find€any€evidence€that€theÐ g+#& Ðbargaining€agent€has€been€active€in€the€past€five€years€by€contacting€the€employer,Ð W, $' Ðthe€bargaining€agent€of€record,€or€any€likely€successors,€the€Board€must€issue€aÐ C-ø$( ÐNotice€to€Employees€concerning€the€potential€revocation€of€bargaining€agentÐ K Ðcertification€before€any€action€may€be€taken.€€The€notice€must€state€the€name€ofÐ 7 ì Ðthe€certified€or€recognized€bargaining€agent,€the€nature€and€date€of€the€most€recentÐ # Ø Ðcollective€bargaining€activity€known€to€the€Board,€and€the€time€period€duringÐ  Ä Ðwhich€objections€to€the€Board€revocation€of€certification€must€be€filed.€€ThisÐ û ° Ðposting€period€must€be€at€least€15€calendar€days€and,€for€school€units,€may€notÐ ç œ Ðinclude€school€vacation€periods.ÐÓ ˆ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô3.€€à0` (#(#àObjectionsÔ e€E\Ô.€ó ó€Any€party€objecting€to€the€Board€revocation€of€certification€mustÐ «` Ðcontact€the€Board€within€the€time€period€specified€in€the€notice€and€provideÐ ›P  Ðevidence€in€support€of€its€position€within€a€reasonable€time€thereafter.€€TheÐ ‡<  Ðcollective€bargaining€activity€serving€as€the€basis€of€the€objection€must€haveÐ s(  Ðoccurred€prior€to€the€date€of€the€Notice€issued€by€the€Board.Ð_ ` (#` (# ÐÌà0  àò òÔ  Ô4.€€à0` (#(#àNotice€to€Other€PartiesÔ e€u^Ô.ó ó€€Any€Notice€of€Revocation€of€Certification€distributedÐ 7ì  Ðwill€also€be€sent€to€any€person€or€organization€that€has€previously€notified€theÐ 'Ü  ÐBoard€of€its€desire€to€receive€such€notices.€ÐÈ` (#` (# ÐÓ ¥ÓÔ#†Xá°XXXá°O#ÔÌÌSTATUTORY€AUTHORITY:€€€à0 h à26€M.R.S.A.€ðð968,€sub„ðð3Ð׌h(#h(# ÐÌEFFECTIVE€DATE:à0 ¸ àà0¸ (#¸ (#àà0h(#(#àJanuary€1,€2001Яdh(#h(# ÐÌNOTE:€€€€Many€of€the€provisions€of€this€rule€had€been€part€of€Chapters€1,€2€and€3€of€the€MLRBÐ ‡< ÐRules,€which€were€repealed€on€the€same€day€this€rule€became€effective.