(a) A carrier may propose implementation of a rule providing for the
automatic mark up of employees for service after the expiration of any period
of authorized or approved time off, in accordance with the procedures set
forth herein.
(b) The carrier shall serve written notice of its proposal on the
appropriate organization representative(s). Such proposal shall include a
synopsis of the proposed rule, which shall be consistent with validated
current scientific data and findings regarding employee rest and fatigue
abatement. An initial conference on the proposal will be held within thirty
(30) days after the postmarked date of the notice. If the parties fail to
resolve the matter within sixty (60) days after the date of the initial
conference, the carrier may submit the matter to final and binding party-paid
arbitration at any time thereafter.
(c) The arbitrator's jurisdiction shall be limited to a determination of
the terms and conditions for an automatic mark-up rule in light of all
relevant circumstances involved. The arbitrator's decision shall be in writing
and shall be issued not later than thirty (30) days after conclusion of the
hearing.