It is not the job of the local officer or staff person handling the case to gather the evidence and prepare the case history. Know whether a solid case can be prepared and presented before making the decision to arbitrate. The Case is Based on Fact, Not Fiction. The witnesses must be telling the truth. Arbitrators will know when someone is lying or stretching the truth.
Arbitrators come down much heavier on union witnesses for lying than they do on management.
The Issue and Remedy are Clear. The union s position must have been made clear during the earlier stages of the grievance process. Be sure that the union has included the remedy that is wanted in the grievance. An arbitrator can rule for the union but, at the same time, prescribe no remedy if none was requested. Finally, remember that arbitration is not the arena to decide what is fair and what is not.