Labour Arbitration

6.

The Arbitration Hearing

6.1.

Hearing Logistics and Preparation

6.1.1.

Scheduling and Location

6.1.2.

Conduct and Decorum

6.1.3.

Recording and Transcription

6.1.4.

Hearing Room Setup

6.1.5.

Technology and Equipment

6.2.

Preliminary Matters

6.2.1.

Objections to Jurisdiction

6.2.1.1.

Timing and Procedure

6.2.1.2.

Burden of Proof

6.2.2.

Requests for Adjournment

6.2.2.1.

Grounds and Process

6.2.2.2.

Costs Implications

6.2.3.

Sequestration of Witnesses

6.2.3.1.

Purpose and Implementation

6.2.3.2.

6.2.4.

Interpreter Services

6.2.4.1.

6.2.4.2.

6.3.

Opening Statements

6.3.1.

Union's Opening Statement

6.3.1.1.

Outline of Case and Issues

6.3.1.2.

Theory of the Case

6.3.2.

Employer's Opening Statement

6.3.2.1.

Response and Key Arguments

6.3.2.2.

6.3.3.

Optional Nature

6.3.4.

Strategic Considerations

6.4.

The Onus of Proof

6.4.1.

In Discipline and Discharge Cases

6.4.1.1.

Employer's Burden

6.4.1.2.

Establishing Just Cause

6.4.2.

In Contract Interpretation Cases

6.4.2.1.

6.4.2.2.

Establishing Breach or Entitlement

6.4.3.

Shifting Burden

6.4.3.1.

Prima Facie Case

6.4.3.2.

Response Required

6.5.

The Standard of Proof

6.5.1.

Balance of Probabilities

6.5.1.1.

Application in Labour Arbitration

6.5.1.2.

Distinction from Criminal Standard

6.5.2.

Clear and Convincing Evidence

6.5.2.1.

6.5.2.2.

Serious Misconduct Cases

6.6.

Presentation of Evidence

6.6.1.

Order of Proceedings

6.6.1.1.

Union Case First (Usually)

6.6.1.2.

Employer Response

6.6.2.

Examination-in-Chief

6.6.2.1.

Purpose and Techniques

6.6.2.2.

Leading Questions

6.6.3.

Cross-Examination

6.6.3.1.

Challenging Credibility and Evidence

6.6.3.2.

Scope and Limitations

6.6.4.

6.6.4.1.

Clarification of Testimony

6.6.4.2.

Restrictions on Scope

6.6.5.

Questions from the Arbitrator

6.6.5.1.

6.6.5.2.

Additional Information

6.7.

Rules of Evidence in Arbitration

6.7.1.

6.7.1.1.

Flexibility in Procedure

6.7.1.2.

Admissibility vs. Weight

6.7.2.

6.7.2.1.

Determining Materiality

6.7.2.2.

Probative Value

6.7.3.

Hearsay Evidence

6.7.3.1.

General Admissibility

6.7.3.2.

Weight Considerations

6.7.3.3.

Reliability Factors

6.7.4.

6.7.4.1.

Solicitor-Client Privilege

6.7.4.2.

Settlement Privilege

6.7.4.3.

Litigation Privilege

6.7.5.

Similar Fact Evidence

6.7.5.1.

Use and Restrictions

6.7.5.2.

Probative vs. Prejudicial

6.7.6.

Post-Incident Evidence

6.7.6.1.

Admissibility and Impact

6.7.6.2.

After-Acquired Cause

6.8.

Types of Evidence

6.8.1.

6.8.1.1.

Witness Preparation

6.8.1.2.

Assessing Credibility

6.8.1.3.

Demeanor Evidence

6.8.2.

Documentary Evidence

6.8.2.1.

Personnel Files

6.8.2.2.

Company Policies

6.8.2.3.

6.8.2.4.

Medical Records

6.8.2.5.

Authenticity and Reliability

6.8.3.

6.8.3.1.

Physical Objects

6.8.3.2.

Demonstrative Evidence

6.8.3.3.

6.8.4.

Expert Evidence

6.8.4.1.

Role of Experts

6.8.4.2.

Admissibility Criteria

6.8.4.3.

Medical Experts

6.8.4.4.

Technical Experts

6.9.

Closing Arguments

6.9.1.

Oral Submissions

6.9.1.1.

Structure and Content

6.9.1.2.

6.9.2.

6.9.2.1.

Format and Submission

6.9.2.2.

Post-Hearing Briefs

6.9.3.

Reply Arguments

6.9.3.1.

Opportunity to Respond

6.9.3.2.

Scope Limitations

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5. Pre-Arbitration Stage

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7. Substantive Issues in Discipline and Discharge Arbitration