Role of Companion
Under the Employment Relations Act 1999, section 10 workers have the right to be accompanied at a disciplinary or grievance hearing by a companion of their choice, who is permitted to do the following.
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The role
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Notes
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To address the hearing to:
· put the worker's case;
· sum up the case; and/or
· respond on the worker's behalf to any view expressed at the hearing
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The companion is, however, specifically precluded from:
· answering questions on behalf of the worker;
· addressing the hearing if the worker indicates that he or she does not wish the companion to do so; and
· using his or her rights to address the hearing and confer with the worker in a way that prevents the employer explaining its case or any other person making his or her contribution to the hearing
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To confer with the worker during the hearing
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