49-26-3  Determination of impasse; du-
ties of secretary. (a) If the secretary determines
that an impasse exists, the secretary shall:

    (1)  If a federal mediator is available, appoint a
mediator from the federal mediation and concili-
ation service; or

    (2)  If a federal mediator is not available within
fourteen (14) days after the secretary's request the
secretary shall appoint a mediator from a list of
qualified persons maintained by the secretary. All
mediators shall receive an amount of compensa-
tion determined to be appropriate by the secre-
tary.

    (b)  A mediator appointed pursuant to these
rules shall be required to notify the secretary as
to the date, time and location of his or her first
meeting with the parties.

    (c)  The effective date of appointment for a me-
diator shall be the date of the first meeting with
the parties. (Authorized by K.S.A. 72-5432; im-
plementing K.S.A. 72-5427; effective, E-81-38,
Dec. 10, 1980; effective May 1, 1981.)