I have heard the Board request a Disputes Inquiry Board (DIB) and the teachers ask for Special Mediation. What is the difference?
A Disputes Inquiry Board is called before a strike/lockout to stop the action. Once a strike begins a DIB does not stop the strike – it continues. A DIB at this stage typically will involve preconditions, such as: it must be requested by both parties, both parties can agree to stop the strike/lockout and return to work, and an agreement that both sides will abide by the recommendations. This would be a problem for Parkland Teachers because neither the Negotiating Sub Comittee nor the Local can make that commitment on behalf of the members. A DIB must write recommendations and often they are given twenty days to complete the process. With a Special Mediator the only pre-agreement is to agree to participate. The Special Mediator may write recommendations. A mediator is usually available within a day or two. In both cases the teachers and the Board would have to ratify the agreement.
