All employees have a right to be accompanied at discipline and grievance hearings, which are set out in the Employment Relations Act 1999. The right to be accompanied is highly significant for both an employee and an employer, as it ensures support for the worker and shows that the employer is acting fairly. Not all individuals can be companions in discipline and grievance hearings; generally, only colleagues or trade union representatives are allowed to attend the hearings. However, the employer can make an adjustment for some workers, such as the ones living with disabilities, and allow them to invite companions other than their co-workers and trade union members.
It is vital to add that the companion’s role is limited. They can address the hearing and talk to the employee during the hearing. Moreover, companions have the right to paid time off during working hours when they attend other workers’ disciplinary or grievance hearings. It is vital to mention that companions cannot be dismissed or become subject to a detriment because they have accompanied an employee at the hearing. At the same time, companions cannot answer questions on behalf of the person they are accompanying and prevent an employer or other individuals from making explanations for the case. They also cannot address the disciplinary case contrary to the employees’ wishes.