Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2012] NZERA Christchurch 28
Hearing date 31 Jan 2012
Determination date 16 February 2012
Member H Doyle
Representation S Moses ; no appearance
Location Blenheim
Parties Pravinsinh v Savvy Contracting 2008 Ltd
Summary RECOVERY OF MONIES – ARREARS OF WAGES – Applicant sought recovery of monies paid to respondent and unpaid wages – No appearance for respondent – Applicant claimed respondent shareholder (“S”) demanded applicant pay S most of received wages – Applicant claimed paid S wages out of fear S would carry out threat to revoke applicant’s work permit which could impact residency application – Applicant claimed S continuously demanded applicant pay wages to S – Applicant claimed received no wages for four months – Applicant claimed employment ended when had keys taken by S and informed that respondent was moving offices – Applicant provided bank statements for relevant period – Authority satisfied applicant placed lot of importance on work permit and residency application – Found applicant was credible witness – Found pattern in applicant’s bank statements which supported applicant’s claims – Found applicant did pay money from wages to S because of S’s threats – Found S held out by respondent as being in position of authority within respondent and someone who had considerable control over business – Respondent ordered to reimburse applicant $14,920 – Respondent ordered to pay applicant $8,200 in unpaid wages – Interest payable
Result Applications granted ; Recovery of monies ($14,920) ; Arrears of wages ($4,250) ; Interest (5%) ; Costs reserved ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56)(filing fee)
Main Category Arrears
Statutes ERA Second Schedule cl12;Judicature Act 1908 s87(3)
Number of Pages 13
PDF File Link: 2012_NZERA_Christchurch_28.pdf [pdf 57 KB]