(a) This section applies to a dispute only if the employer involved in the dispute has at least 10 employees. (b) Whenever a disputant or other reliable source informs the Mediation Service that a dispute might result in a lockout or strike, the Mediation Service: (1) may investigate and try to mediate the dispute; and (2) if the Mediation Service is unable to mediate, may try to obtain the consent of the disputants for formation of a board. (c) (1) Whenever the Mediation Service is unable to mediate a dispute and a disputant refuses consent for formation of a board or for arbitration by the Chief Mediator, the Mediation Service shall investigate thoroughly the cause of the dispute. (2) In an investigation under this subsection, the Mediation Service may depose a disputant. (3) After an investigation under this subsection, the Mediation Service: (i) shall decide which disputant is mainly responsible or blameworthy for continuance of the dispute; and (ii) over the official signature of the Commissioner or Chief Mediator, shall publish in a daily newspaper a report that assigns responsibility or blame for the continuance of the dispute.
Maryland Legal Code