Here at Navajo Labor Commission hearing for Labor Complaint filed by five former senior accountants for the Navajo Nation Office of the Controller. The complaint is against Controller Mark Grant. Today’s hearing, May 14, 2014, is Day 2. The hearing was scheduled to reconvene at 9 a.m. but attorneys and clients for both sides have been in Settlement negotiations. It is now 10 a.m.

DAVID JORDAN, ATTORNEY FOR FIVE FORMER EMPLOYEES, INFORMS THE NAVAJO LABOR COMMISSION THAT HE IS READY TO GO BACK ON RECORD. IT IS NOW 10:03 A.M.

Commission Chairperson Casey Watchman calls hearing to order.

“We are still working on it,” Jordan informs Commission. “We have not reached a settlement.”

NAVAJO JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ATTORNEY HENRY HOWE
I woke up sick this morning and told my clients that I would not ask to continue hearing and that I would work on settlement. I think that we will reach a settlement and I don’t want to continue hearing but ask Commission to re-set the hearing, which will allow us to settle and for me to get well before we have to litigate if we have to.

JORDAN
I believe we will settle but if not, then ask for date to continue hearing and that that date be sooner than later. But if have to actually finish hearing, then ask for one day. But I feel that there will be a settlement.

COMMISSION
Friday, June 6, 2014, at 9 a.m. is next hearing day if there is no settlement. And continue discussion for good conclusion and to be reasonable, Commission Chairperson Watchman advises attorneys and clients.

It is now 10:13 a.m.