(1) In any industrial dispute that affects workers engaged in an essential service, the parties to the dispute shall endeavour to settle the dispute within three days of the occurrence of the dispute by negotiation.

(2) If after the expiration of the three days, the dispute remains unresolved, the parties shall within twenty-four hours of the expiry of the three days, refer the dispute to the Commission for settlement by compulsory arbitration under section 164.

(3) The Commission shall take immediate steps, but not later than three days after the dispute has been referred to it, to settle the dispute by compulsory arbitration under section 164.