When any dispute arises between a city having a population of ten thousand or more, or a city under civil service of whatever population, and any city-recognized association of employees of the paid fire department of such city, and the parties are unable to adjust the dispute, either or both parties may make written application to a judge of the district court of the county in which the dispute arises for the appointment of a board of arbitration and conciliation, to which board such dispute may be referred under the provisions of this chapter.