If the parties in labor contract negotiations do not reach a voluntary agreement by January 1, the dispute shall be submitted to a mediator mutually selected by the parties or appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Mediation may continue indefinitely at the request of either party or when appropriate in the judgment of the mediator. If necessary, mediation may continue after the exchange of final offers.
Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 81-1381