Section 157 - Voluntary arbitration

(1) When mediation fails under section 154 (6) and the dispute is referred to the Commission, the Commission shall with the consent of the parties refer the dispute to an arbitrator or an arbitration panel appointed under section 156.

(2) The parties to an industrial dispute shall, within three days after the appointment of an arbitrator or an arbitration panel under section 156, submit to the arbitrator in writing a statement of the issues or questions in dispute signed by one or more of the parties or their representatives.

(3) The arbitrator shall as soon as possible appoint a time and place for the hearing and notify the parties.

(4) If any party fails to appear before the arbitrator after the expiration of seven days after being so notified, the arbitrator shall proceed to hear and determine the dispute.