Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2012] NZERA Auckland 354
Hearing date 8 Aug 2012
Determination date 10 October 2012
Member K J Anderson
Representation S Teng (in person) ; N Dawson
Location Tauranga
Parties Teng v Aongatete Coolstores Ltd
Summary RAISING PERSONAL GRIEVANCE – Whether grievance raised within 90 days – Authority noted applicant not pursuing personal grievance specifically but any grievance not raised within 90 days – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Authority found applicant employed on seasonal basis with each season being distinct and separate fixed term of employment – No dismissal
Abstract Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent. Applicant employed in respondent’s kiwifruit packing operations on seasonal basis for five years. Applicant employed on series of fixed term employment agreements (“EA”). After problems arose during final season of employment applicant returned to Malaysia to find letter from respondent stating applicant would not be employed for following year’s season.;AUTHORITY FOUND –;RAISING PERSONAL GRIEVANCE: Authority noted applicant not pursuing personal grievance specifically but any grievance not raised within 90 days.;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant’s EA valid fixed term EA. Applicant employed on seasonal basis with each season being distinct and separate fixed term of employment. No assurance applicant would be employed in following season. No dismissal. Authority noted respondent failed to act in good faith and penalty may have been appropriate in different circumstances.
Result Applications dismissed; No order for costs
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA;ERA s4;ERA s66;ERA s160(3)
Number of Pages 5
PDF File Link: 2012_NZERA_Auckland_354.pdf [pdf 101 KB]