(a) Meetings before filing a representation petition. All parties affected by the representation issues that may be raised in a petition are encouraged to meet before the filing of the petition to discuss their interests and narrow and resolve the issues. If requested by all parties, a representative of the appropriate Regional Office will participate in these meetings.

(b) Meetings to narrow and resolve the issues after the petition is filed. The Regional Director may require all affected parties to meet to narrow and resolve the issues raised in the petition.