The role of the companion

[ch 8: pages 60-61]

The companion can address the hearing and confer with the worker during the hearing. They can also:

• put the worker’s case;

• rephrase the employer’s questions or statements to the worker. This may happen, for example, if there is a misunderstanding, or if the matter is more important than is immediately apparent, so that the employee has a fair chance to understand the significance of what is being asked or said;

• suggest an adjournment;

• sum up the worker’s case; and

• respond on the worker’s behalf to any view expressed at the hearing.

However, a companion cannot answer questions on behalf of the worker that are directed at the worker. They cannot address the hearing if the worker does not want them to, or prevent the employer from explaining their case. Nor can they prevent any other person at the hearing from speaking.