39-31-405. Unfair labor practice complaint -- investigation -- notice of hearing -- service -- answer. (1) Whenever a complaint is filed alleging that any person has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair labor practice, the board shall issue and cause to be served upon the person a copy of the complaint and provide the person with an opportunity to respond to all charges. After receipt of responses from the charged party, an agent designated by the board for such purposes shall investigate the alleged unfair labor practice.

(2) If, after the investigation, the agent designated by the board determines that the charge is without probable merit, the board shall issue and cause to be served upon the complaining party and the person being charged notice of its intention to dismiss the complaint. The dismissal becomes a final order of the board unless either party requests a review of the decision to dismiss the complaint. The request for a review must be made in writing within 10 days of receipt of the notice of intention to dismiss. If a review is requested, the board may uphold its decision to dismiss the complaint or, pursuant to subsection (3), schedule a hearing on the merits. If the board upholds its decision to dismiss the complaint, the dismissal becomes a final order of the board.

(3) If after the investigation or after the review provided for in subsection (2), the board determines that there is probable merit for the charge, the board shall issue and cause to be served upon the complaining party and the party charged a notice of hearing before the board, a member thereof, or before a designated agent at a time and place therein fixed, not less than 5 working days after the date of service.

(4) If a hearing is to be held, the person against whom the charge is filed shall file an answer to the complaint.

(5) Each party to an unfair labor practice proceeding has the right to disqualify, without cause, the hearing examiner designated by the board to hear the complaint. The right may be exercised only once by each party and must be exercised within 5 days from the time a party is notified by the board of the hearing examiner designated to hear the matter. The exercise of this right is in addition to any rights a party has to disqualify a hearing examiner under 2-4-611.