Guidelines for Video Hearings | LRB

Guidelines for Video Hearings

Note: “Parties” refers to Applicants, Respondents, and their representatives.

Etiquette

  • Parties are expected to maintain the same etiquette in video hearings as they would when attending an in-person hearing.
  • No participant will be allowed to record the hearing by any method.
  • At the beginning of the hearing 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 Board will administer oaths or affirmations by video unless the party leading the witness applies for, and is granted, an alternative method. Alternative methods must be proposed at least 2 business days prior to the hearing.
  • Witnesses will be expected to confirm their desk is clear of paperwork, that they are alone in a private enclosed space, and to affirm that all email, texting, and other electronic communications systems are turned off, unless needed to testify at the hearing.
  • Public access to hearings will be available, either by video or audio as practicable, by making advance arrangements with the Registrar or designate.

Technology Requirements

  • The Board’s platform for video hearings is WebEx. All participants are expected to download the application for WebEx in advance of any technical tests or hearings.
  • If necessary, parties may make a request to the Board to switch from an in-person hearing to a video hearing. In making this request, suitable advanced notice should be given to the Board prior to the scheduled hearing date with reasons for the request.
  • All participants are required to attend any technical tests that are scheduled. Technical tests will occur at least one week prior to the hearing. Tests can be done per party, if requested.
  • Parties 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 technical test and the hearing.
  • Extra time may be expected and required to deal with technical issues as they arise in a hearing.
  • Participants are encouraged to use headphones.
  • Participants must be clearly visible and appear against a neutral background, with only their head and shoulders visible. Backlighting is not permitted, as it creates silhouettes.
  • Witnesses must not utilize false or blurred backgrounds.
  • All participants shall log on to WebEx at least 10 minutes in advance of the scheduled start time of the hearing. The hearing shall not begin until the Board is satisfied that all necessary participants are adequately connected.
  • Subpoenas shall be issued with WebEx as the location, with or without the precise WebEx link.
  • The Board may adjourn the hearing 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 hearing.

Potential Exhibits (Documents) Requirements

  • Three business days prior to the hearing, parties will provide all potential exhibits to the Board’s document filing email address: SLRBfiling@gov.sk.ca except for those that are unanticipated or are otherwise required to be provided during the hearing.
  • Parties are responsible for the contents of their documents and for saving and naming each potential exhibit in the following format: Party Name, Document Number and Title of Document. The documents must not have “Exhibit” or any form of "A.#, R.#, U.#, or E.#" in the name format.
  • Each Potential Exhibit must be saved as a separate PDF file.
  • If potential exhibits are not submitted in a fashion acceptable to the Board, the Board may instruct the party to resubmit their potential exhibits in a suitable format;
  • Documents will be shared by the parties themselves via WebEx during the hearing, unless an alternative process is proposed and approved by either the Executive Officer in advance of the hearing, or the panel during the hearing.
  • Documents will be exchanged and provided electronically, either in advance, during, or after the hearing, depending on the circumstances.
  • Documents 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, unless an alternative process is proposed and approved by the panel.

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

Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board, March 7, 2023