Section 1101.602 - Recognition; jointly requested certification(a) A public employer may recognize employe representatives for collective bargaining purposes, provided the parties jointly request certification by the board which shall issue such certification if it finds the unit appropriate.(b) Any employe representatives in existence on January 1, 1970, shall so continue without the requirement of an election and certification until such time as a question concerning representation is appropriately raised under this act; or until the board would find the unit not to be appropriate after challenge by the public employer, a member of the unit or an employe organization. The appropriateness of the unit shall not be challenged until the expiration of any collective bargaining agreement in effect on the date of the passage of this act.1970, July 23, P.L. 563, No. 195, art. VI, § 602, effective in 90 days.