; (2) nonpersonnel-related expenses within the operations account; and (3) personnel-related expenses within the operations account. (d) Waiver In the event that the Authority identifies a critical need which requires the Authority to exceed the limits on the annual spending growth rates established pursuant to subsection (c), the Authority may seek a waiver by submitting an appeal, in writing, to the legislative bodies of the Signatories and the executive of the jurisdiction of each Signatory justifying the need to exceed the limits and the legislative bodies may vote to approve such appeal. A waiver shall only be granted upon approval by each of the legislative bodies of the Signatories and the executives thereof. The terms of such a waiver shall not exceed 2 years. (e) Limit on annual contributions from funding jurisdictions for operations The Signatories shall include an any amendment to the Compact a limit of 3 percent relating to the annual growth in the rate of spending by the funding jurisdictions to subsidize operational needs of the Authority. (f) Labor provisions (1) Arbitration In case of any dispute over labor rights involving the Authority and such employees where collective bargaining does not result in agreement, the Authority shall submit such dispute to the National Mediation Board. (2) Managed competition The Board shall undertake a full-cost accounting and analysis to determine the potential benefits associated with contracting services and functions currently provided by employees of the Authority and shall incorporate a system of managed competition for labor and service contracts. (3) Employee protections Employees of the Authority shall be afforded the rights and protections prescribed in title III of this Act. (g) Retirement plans With respect to pension and retirement benefits plans for employees of the Authority— (1) the Authority shall honor all pension obligations for employees retired from the Authority and currently receiving a pension