Alan Fisher, Attorney
Hoey & Farina, P.C.
1-888-425-1212
info@hoeyfarina.com

I. OVERVIEW OF ARBITRATOR’S ROLE

A. Awareness of Role in Collective Bargaining Process

1. Interpret and Apply the Agreement

2. Adhere to Contract Language as Intended by the Parties

B. Arguments/ Presentation to Arbitrator by Labor/Management Advocates

C. Acceptability of Arbitrator’s Decisions and Awards by the Parties

II. CASE DEVELOPMENT – CONTRACT VIOLATION

A. Review Contract and Identify Rule and/or Provision

1. Determine Violation

Interpret Provision that has been Violated: Is contract language clear or whether parol evidence is required?

B. Develop Theory of Violation

C. Sources of Proof: Witnesses/Visual Aids/Documentation

D. Formulate and Recommend Remedies for Consideration

1. Broaden or limit the Arbitrator’s Remedial Authority

2. Impose punitive or compensatory damages

3. Agreed Remedies

4. Creative Remedies

III. CASE DEVELOPMENT – DISCIPLINE GRIEVANCE

A. Review Contract

1. Identify Rule/Provision

2. Determine Violation

3. Interpret Provision

B. Develop Theory of Liability

1. 1. Burden of Proof

2. Mitigation of Liability

3. Off-property Conduct/Connection to Job

C. Interview Potential Witnesses

1. Establish Theme/ Confirm Liability

2. Preparation of Testimony

3. Identify Witnesses- Shift Burden to Carrier

4. Offer of Proof

D. On-Site Visit

1. Interview Carrier’s Witnesses2. Inspection of Site

E. Affidavits

1. Witnesses May be Unavailable

IV. WITNESS PREPARATION

A. Witness Prepared

B. Better Understanding of Own Case

C. Cross Examination

V. HEARING

A. Organize Case File/Check List

B. Opening Statement

C. Presentation

1. Objections

2. Offer of Proof

3. Stipulations

D. Cross Examination

1. Claimant

a. Preparation

b. Short Answers

2. Carrier Witnesses

a. Closed Answers

b. Know Answer to Question

c. Limit Questions

E. Closing Statement

1. Summarize Position

a. Set forth arguments for arbitrator’s consideration

b. Review Objections made during hearing

2. Request Remedy for Record

VI. PROCEDURAL ISSUES AND OBJECTIONS

A. Objections at Hearing

B. Production of Documents

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury or wrongful death at work on the railroad, call an experienced FELA lawyer / train accident lawyer at Hoey & Farina at 1-888-425-1212, or complete this form, for your FREE CONSULTATION. Hoey & Farina represents clients throughout the United States.