January 2011 - National Labor Relations Board

10052 PRELIMINARY REVIEW AND CONTACTSEncourage the charged party to electronically submit documents and othermaterials to the Regional Office through the Agency’s E-Filing system onthe website.Seek, in an appropriate case, to schedule an interview with the chargedparty’s witnesses and advise the charged party that full cooperation entailsallowing Board prepared affidavits.Early contact with the charged party frequently leads to a prompt resolution of thecharge, which experience has shown is beneficial to all parties and the public interest.Thus, prompt determination of a nonmeritorious charge ends the dispute in a costeffective and efficient manner, without the need for a protracted investigation. On theother hand, prompt determination of a meritorious charge provides an opportunity for atimely remedy before resolution becomes more costly or more difficult.10052.6 Strategy for InvestigationFollowing the initial contacts with the parties, the Board agent, with appropriatesupervision, should develop a strategy for the investigation, which normally wouldinclude:Identification of specific allegations and issuesThe theory of the caseAreas of inquiryAreas of legal researchA list of witnesses to contactA list of documents to obtainApproaches to reluctant witnessesAppropriate remedies, including consideration of 10(j) reliefA schedule in which the above tasks will be completedRevised 01/11