ARTICLE 18: CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS - C. CHARGES
6. Alternatively the Office of the President shall investigate the charge and determine if a hearing is required. In any event, the accused shall have the right to a hearing if requested. If a hearing is convened, the accused shall have the right to be assisted by an advocate, at the cost of the accused.
CHANGE TO:
6. The Office of the President shall send a copy of the charge to the accused member and invite the accused member to provide an answer to the charge. 6.1 The Office of the President shall at the same time inform the member of their right to request a hearing about the charge. Despite a request for a hearing, the Office of the President may make a summary decision to dismiss the charge and shall provide reasons.
6.2 If it does not dismiss the charge, the Office of the President shall investigate the charge. It may require the charging member or their local union to provide additional documents or submissions. It may obtain other relevant information from other sources. It may take such other steps as are necessary to make a decision.
6.3 The Office of the President may decide to hold a hearing about the charge.
6.4 If the Office of the President holds a hearing about the charge, it shall decide the form of hearing that is appropriate in the circumstances. A hearing may be an oral hearing or a hearing in writing.
6.5 The accused member shall have the right to be assisted by an advocate, at the cost of the accused member.
Respectfully submitted by the NEB
