Section 601.501 - Conferences(a) The department of any person having a direct interest in the subject matter of this act may, at any time, request that a conference be held for the purpose of discussing and endeavoring to resolve by mutual agreement any matter arising under the provisions of this act. Unless otherwise provided, conferences shall be held within 90 days after a request for a conference is received by the department, and notice of any such conference shall be given by the department to all such interested parties. At such conference a representative of the department shall be in attendance and the department may make such recommendations as it deems appropriate. Any agreement reached at such conference shall be consistent with the requirements of this act and, if approved by such representative of the department, it shall be reduced to writing and shall be effective, unless reviewed and rejected by the department within ten days after the close of the conference. The record of any such agreement approved by the department shall be kept on file by the department with copies furnished to the parties. Scheduling of a conference shall not affect the authority of the department to issue an appropriate order to compel compliance with this act.(b) Whenever a coal operator is to be given notice by the department of any proceeding to be held under this section, the department shall also send simultaneously a copy of such notice to the collective bargaining representative of the employees of the coal operator.1984, Dec. 19, P.L. 1140, No. 223, § 501, effective in 120 days.