Book IV: Dispute resolution - The industrial tribunal

In cases where the case is brought directly before it or where it appears that the case referred by the conciliation and referral office is not ready to be heard, the adjudication office may take all necessary measures to prepare the case for hearing as referred to in article R. 1454-1. If the parties fail to comply with the communication procedures laid down, the adjudication office may recall the case…

The Judgement Bureau may appoint one or two reporting advisors to the panel, who shall have the powers referred to in Article R. 1454-4. It may order any measures necessary to preserve the evidence or objects in dispute.

In accordance with the second paragraph of article 446-1 of the Code of Civil Procedure , the Judgement Bureau may exempt a party who so requests from attending a subsequent hearing. In this case, the Judgement Office organises exchanges between the parties. Communication between the parties shall be made by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt or by notification between lawyers and evidence thereof shall be provided to the Judgement…

After the order for closure, no pleadings may be filed or exhibits produced in the proceedings, failing which they will be declared inadmissible ex officio. However, applications to intervene voluntarily, pleadings relating to remuneration accrued after the order for closure, if the amount of such remuneration cannot be seriously contested, and applications to revoke the order for closure are admissible. Submissions seeking the resumption of the proceedings in the state…

The closing order may only be revoked by the court, of its own motion or at the request of the parties and after the opening of the hearings, if a serious cause has arisen since the order was made; the party’s choice of a person to assist or represent it after the closure does not, in itself, constitute a cause for revocation. If an application to intervene voluntarily is filed…

If the defendant does not appear on the day of the hearing, the case is decided on the merits. However, if the defendant has provided proof of a legitimate reason in good time, he will be notified by any means of the next hearing of the judgement committee.