Witness testifies via international video conferencing in NLRB proceeding

For the first time in the Agency’s history, attorneys in the Agency’s San Francisco Regional Office conducted a trial examination of a witness via international video conferencing. Administrative Law Judge Mary Cracraft permitted testimony by a witness via video conference from the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain.  Judge Cracraft wrote that although the Board has not yet ruled on the use of video testimony in unfair labor practice cases, EF International Language Schools (the Employer) was not denied due process by utilization of videoconferencing technology for this witness’s testimony. She determined that, in certain circumstances, fact finders could similarly assess video and live testimony. 
In a decision issued September 15, 2014, Judge Cracraft found that the Employer violated the Act by threatening and terminating an employee because of her personal and e-mail discussions with co-workers about their terms and conditions of employment.