• The Board’s platform for video hearings is WebEx. All participants are expected to download the application for WebEx in advance of any test runs or hearings;

• Test runs with the Registrar and all participants are required and will occur one week prior to the hearing. Test runs can be broken into two parts, per party, if requested. Test runs will be non-substantive;

• Counsel will be responsible to ensure that clients and witnesses have appropriate technology to allow for viewing of all participants and exhibits, that is compatible with WebEx, that internet bandwidth is adequate, and that they are capable and adept at using the technology in advance of the test run and the hearing;

• If necessary, the party calling a witness shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the witness is able to participate in the videoconference with one device and review exhibits on the other;

• Extra time may be expected and required to deal with technical issues as they arise;

• It is ideal for each participant to have two screens available. The primary device should not have a screen size, measured diagonally, of less than 12.5 inches, unless by consent of parties;

• Participants are encouraged, but not obligated, to use headphones;

• Participants must be highly visible and appear against a neutral background, with only head and shoulders visible. Backlighting is not permitted, as it creates silhouettes.

• Witnesses will be expected to show the contents of their desk or station and to affirm that all email, texting, and other electronic communications systems are turned off, unless needed to testify at the hearing;

• Exhibits and submissions:

• All submissions and exhibits will be exchanged and provided electronically, either in advance, during, or after the hearing, depending on the circumstances;
• Participants will be asked to provide all exhibits three days prior to the hearing to the Registrar by email or cloud storage, except for those that are unanticipated or are otherwise required to be provided during the hearing;
• The Board will create an exhibit book and provide it to all parties two days prior to the hearing;
• The panel will be provided the exhibit book to be reviewed at the hearing as exhibits are spoken to, and as they are entered;
• Exhibits that are provided during the hearing will be submitted and exchanged by email, and will be shared via WebEx with all participants to be viewable on the screen during testimony.

• The Board will administer oaths by video unless the party leading the witness applies for, and is granted, an alternative method. Alternative methods must be proposed at least 48 hours prior to the hearing;

• All participants shall log on to WebEx at least 10 minutes in advance of the scheduled start time of the proceeding. The proceeding shall not begin until the Board is satisfied that all necessary participants are adequately connected.

• At the outset of the proceeding each participant shall identify any other persons present at the participant’s location. Each participant has an ongoing obligation to alert the Board and other parties if any additional person joins.

• The WebEx recording function will be turned off by the host and no participant will be allowed to record the hearing by any other method;

• Subpoenas shall be issued with the WebEx address;

• Public access to video hearings will be available, either by video or audio as practicable, by making advance arrangements with the Registrar;

• The Board may adjourn the proceeding at any time if it determines that the video format is not adequate, or is prejudicial to any party or to the integrity of the proceeding.

These Guidelines are subject to change from time to time and may be amended to apply to specific circumstances, at the discretion of the Board.

Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board, May 7, 2020