Ask Shaye
Support at a fact-finding interview
Yesterday, I was handed a letter with some allegations and told to come to a meeting with the nursing home manager to explain. It said I could have a support person. Can the union help?
We certainly can. It is procedurally fair to give you an opportunity to have a witness or support person at any disciplinary interview. This could be a work colleague (if not involved in the incident) or a friend or family member. But the Association can provide you with support and assistance before and at the meeting to ensure that your rights are maintained. It is generally not the role of a witness or support person to speak for you at the meeting and answer questions. This is an opportunity for you to relay in your own words what happened. But certainly, a timeout can be called so you can regroup, as these meetings can certainly be quite challenging.