Section 110030.

(a) If the parties are unable to effect settlement of the controversy within 30 days after the appointment of a mediator, the parties shall submit their differences to a factfinding panel. Within five days after receipt of the written request, each party shall select a person to serve as its member of the factfinding panel. The board shall, within five days after the selection of panel members by the parties, select a chairperson of the factfinding panel.

(b) Within five days after the board selects a chairperson of the factfinding panel, the parties may mutually agree upon a person to serve as chairperson in lieu of the person selected by the board.

(c) The panel shall, within 10 days after its appointment, meet with the parties or their representatives, either jointly or separately, and may make inquiries and investigations, hold hearings, and take any other steps it deems appropriate. For the purpose of the hearings, investigations, and inquiries, the panel shall have the power to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence. Any state agency, as defined in Section 11000, or any political subdivision of the state, shall furnish the panel, upon its request, with all records, papers, and information in their possession relating to any matter under investigation by or in issue before the panel.

(d) In arriving at their findings and recommendations, the factfinders shall consider, weigh, and be guided by all the following criteria:

(1) State and federal laws that are applicable to the employer.

(2) Local rules, regulations, or ordinances.

(3) Stipulations of the parties.

(4) The interests and welfare of the public and the financial ability of the employer.

(5) Comparison of the wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment of the employees involved in the factfinding proceeding with the wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment of other employees performing similar services in comparable counties.

(6) The consumer price index for goods and services, commonly known as the cost of living.

(7) The overall compensation presently received by the employees, including direct wage compensation, vacations, holidays, and other excused time, insurance and pensions, medical and hospitalization benefits, the continuity and stability of employment, and all other benefits received.

(8) Any other facts, not confined to those specified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, which are normally or traditionally taken into consideration in making the findings and recommendations.

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 45, Sec. 3. Effective June 27, 2012. Conditionally inoperative (as part of Title 23) as prescribed by Stats. 2013, Ch. 37, Sec. 34.)