1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

 a. “Mediation” means a process in which an impartial person attempts to facilitate the resolution of a dispute by promoting voluntary agreement of the parties to the dispute. Mediation shall be deemed to commence upon the mediator’s receipt of notice of assignment and shall be deemed to conclude when the dispute is resolved.
 b. “Mediator” means a member or employee of the board or any other person appointed or requested by the board to assist parties in resolving disputes involving collective bargaining impasses, contested cases, other agency cases, or contract grievances.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 20.31

  • Arbitration: means the procedure whereby the parties involved in an impasse submit their differences to a third party for a final and binding decision or as provided in this chapter. See Iowa Code 20.3
  • Board: means the public employment relations board established under section 20. See Iowa Code 20.3
  • Child: includes child by adoption. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Mediation: means assistance by an impartial third party to reconcile an impasse between the public employer and the employee organization through interpretation, suggestion, and advice. See Iowa Code 20.3
  • person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
 2. A mediator shall not be required to testify in any judicial, administrative, arbitration, or grievance proceeding regarding any matters occurring in the course of a mediation, including any verbal or written communication or behavior, other than facts relating exclusively to the timing or scheduling of mediation. A mediator shall not be required to produce or disclose any documents, including notes, memoranda, or other work product, relating to mediation, other than documents relating exclusively to the timing or scheduling of mediation. This subsection shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 a. The testimony, production, or disclosure is required by statute.
 b. The testimony, production, or disclosure provides evidence of an ongoing or future criminal activity.
 c. The testimony, production, or disclosure provides evidence of child abuse as defined in section 232.68, subsection 2.
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