Special conferences between the Union and the Employer for the purpose of considering matters of mutual interest may be arranged and held at a mutually convenient place and time. Arrangements for such conferences shall be made in advance between the Local President and/or Chief Steward and the Director of Human Resources or his/her designated representative, and an agenda of the matters to be taken up at the meeting shall be presented at the time the conference is requested. Any matter submitted by the Local Union shall be a proper subject for a special conference. Matters taken up in conference shall be confined to those included in the agenda. The members of the Union shall not lose time or pay for time spent in such conferences. This meeting may be attended by a Representative of the International Union.