Arbitration Advocacy

View PDF

Description: This is a class for those who represent parties in federal sector arbitration. It can be adapted to particularly suit Agency or Employee representatives. There is an emphasis on practical exercises. The class culminates with a mock hearing, where the course participants play witnesses and advocates. The topics covered include: the statutory and regulatory background, the tie in to the MSPB and EEOC, a familiarization with labor relations terms, the grievance process, selecting arbitrators, assembling evidence, pre-arbitration matters, interviewing witnesses, representation at the hearing to include presenting evidence and making objections, examination of witnesses, making arguments, and post hearing matters.

Length: 2 to 4 days

Table of Contents
PageI. Introduction
A. Review of Session 7

B. Instructor and Participant Introduction 7

C. Objectives 7
II. Overview of Federal Sector
Grievance-Arbitration Process 9

A. The Negotiated Agreement 9

B. The election among the EEOC,
the MSPB and arbitration 9
C. Some important Labor-Relations Terms 10
III. A Closer Look at the Grievance Process 12

IV. Invoking Arbitration 14
A. Selecting the Arbitrator 14

B. Scheduling the Hearing 15
C. Some Questions 16
V. Assembling the Evidence 17
A. Defining the Specific Issues, Facts
and the Theory of the case 17
1. Issue 172. A chronological approach 17

3. Legal elements or standards 18
VI. Other Pre Arbitration Hearing Matters 23
A. Arbitrability 23

B. “Discovery” by Union (Section 7114) 23

C. Stipulations 24

D. Settlement 25

E. Submission Agreement 35

F. Researching Authorities and Preparing
Arguments 35
G. Interviewing and Evaluating Witnesses 36
1. Brookhaven considerations: 37
2. Interviewing potential witnesses:
Format and Techniques 37
3. Evaluating or Selecting Witnesses
Some characteristics of marginal Witnesses 39
4. Adapting to Marginal witnesses 39

5. Other (e.g., site visits, continuances, etc.)39
VII. The Hearing 40
A. Pre hearing Matters 40B. Burden and Standards of Proof 40

C. Evidence 41

D. Opening Statements 57

E. Witnesses 59
1. Stages of Testimony 59

2. Sequestering Witnesses 60

3. Sequencing (or order of calling)
Witnesses 61
4. Swearing of Witnesses 62
5. Preparing Witnesses 63

6. Direct Examination 63
7. Conducting Cross Examination 71

8. Objections 76 9. Considerations as to Special Witnesses 83

F. Closing Arguments 87
VIII. Challenging or Defending the Award 91IX. Post Hearing Matters 93

A. Compliance Matters 93
B. Attorney Fees 93

X. Mock Hearing 98
(and separate materials)
APPENDICES:Appendix A MSPB: A Closer Look 99Appendix B Federal Sector EEO Process 139Appendix C Charge Framing Snafus: 11 Deadly Sins 140Appendix D Disciplinary and Adverse Actions: Typical Charges 141Appendix E Nexus and Penalty 144Appendix F Section 7114 Document Request In Arbitration 147Appendix G Settlement Options 149Appendix H Sample Proof Grid 159Appendix I Factors for Consideration in Assessing The Probative Value of Hearsay 160 Evidence
Appendix J Mistakes Made by Supervisors or in Managers Imposing Discipline or
Adverse Actions 161
Appendix K Factors Used by Fact-finders to Assess Credibility 164
Appendix L Tips for Witnesses in Arbitration
Hearings 167
Appendix M Arbitration Statistics and Biography
(S. Vitaro/Cyberfeds) 176
Appendix N Problems 178
Appendix O Glossary of Federal Sector Labor Management Terms 192