ORS 656.170: Validity of provisions of certain collective bargaining agreements; alternative dispute resolution systems; exclusive medical service provider lists; authority of director.

(1) In a collective bargaining agreement between a private employer or groups of employers engaged in construction, construction maintenance or activities limited to rock, sand, gravel, cement and asphalt operations, heavy duty mechanics, surveying or construction inspection, and a union that is the recognized or certified exclusive bargaining representative, a provision establishing either of the following is valid and binding: (a) An alternative dispute resolution system governing disputes between employees, employers and their insurers that supplements or replaces all or part of the dispute resolution processes of this chapter, including but not limited to provisions: (A) Establishing any limitations on the liability of the employer while determinations regarding the compensability of an injury are being made; (B) Describing the method for resolving disputes involving compensability of injuries under the alternative dispute resolution system and the amount of compensation due for a compensable injury and for medical and legal services; (C) Relating to the payment of compensation for injuries incurred when the collective bargaining agreement is terminated or when an injured worker is no longer subject to the agreement; and (D) Establishing arbitration and mediation procedures; or (b) The use of a list of medical service providers that the parties may agree is the exclusive source of all medical treatment provided under this chapter. (2) Any decision, order or award of compensation issued under an agreed upon alternative dispute resolution system adopted under subsection (1)(a) of this section is subject to review in the same manner as provided for the review of an order of an Administrative Law Judge pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (3) Nothing in this section allows a collective bargaining agreement that diminishes the entitlement of an employee to compensation as provided in this chapter. The portion of an agreement that violates this subsection is void. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, original jurisdiction over the compliance of a proposed collective bargaining agreement with this subsection is with the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The director shall determine the compliance of the agreement with this subsection prior to the agreement becoming operative. The decision of the director is subject to review as provided under ORS 656.704. [1999 c.841 §2; 2005 c.26 §2]