Labor Relations Fundamentals for Community College Districts

A PPENDIX D

C HECKLIST FOR T ESTIFYING AS A W ITNESS

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Tell the truth.

 Always remember that as a witness for either management or employee, you have no purpose to serve other than to give the facts as you know them.  Only give information that you have firmly in mind. If you do not know certain information, do not give it. If asked, state that you do not know.

 Do not answer any question unless you thoroughly understand it.

 Answer each question completely and to the best of your ability, but do not volunteer more than is asked.



Take your time in answering questions.

 Pause briefly before answering each question. Gather your thoughts carefully before answering and do not permit yourself to be hurried.  If your representative begins to speak, stop whatever answer you may be giving and allow her to make her statement. If she is making an objection to the question that is being asked of you, do not answer the question until after she has made her objection, and the hearing officer advises you to go ahead and complete your answer.  Never attempt to explain or justify your answer. You are there to give the facts as you know them. You are not supposed to apologize or attempt to justify those facts. If you attempt to justify the fact it will appear as if you doubt the accuracy or authenticity of your own testimony.  Be sure of the facts you supply in answer to a question. Even if you feel you know the probable answer to a question, do not attempt to guess or estimate the answer. If you do not know the answer to a question, say so. Even if you feel an answer of “I don’t know” is ignorant or evasive, realize that a guess or estimate is often inaccurate. An opponent can then show that you don’t know what you are talking about, or imply that you deliberately misstated the truth.  Do not memorize your testimony; instead tell the facts as you know them and in a manner intelligible to those who have little knowledge whatsoever of the case.

 Avoid demonstrations of anger, belligerency, sarcasm, or discourtesy.

 Do not let the opposing representative get you angry or excited.



Your initial testimony will be similar to the following:

a. You will be called by name and should come forward.

b. You will swear to give honest answers.

c. The counsel who has summoned you will probably ask:

Labor Relations Fundamentals for Community College Districts © 2019 (c) Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 64