SECTION 9P. Dispute resolution office

The dispute resolution office shall consist of hearing officers, mediators, arbitrators, investigators, and other skilled professionals who shall attempt, through the use of pre-hearing investigative conferences, expedited hearings, mediation, deferral to arbitration, and other dispute resolution procedures, to resolve any labor dispute brought to the attention of the division. Such staff may be assigned to investigate labor disputes pursuant to section 11 of chapter 150E, to mediate labor disputes pursuant to section 9 of chapter 150E, to assist the joint labor-management committee in the investigation of disputes involving municipal police and fire departments, and to perform such other duties as the division may require.