Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2012] NZERA Christchurch 287
Hearing date 4 Sep 2012
Determination date 21 December 2012
Member H Doyle
Representation D Beck, S Burnhill ; P Swarbrick
Location Christchurch
Parties Graham v Turners & Growers Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Whether falling asleep on job constituted serious misconduct – Whether applicant’s work affected by applicant’s medical conditions - Whether applicant deliberately avoided duties by sleeping - Store person
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: No serious misconduct when applicant fell asleep. Fair and reasonable employer could not conclude no causation between applicant falling asleep and applicant’s medical conditions. Misdescription of conduct as deliberate avoidance of duties. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant three months reimbursement of lost wages. $12,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted; Reimbursement of lost wages (three months); Compensation for humiliation etc ($12,000); Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A(3)(a) - ERA s103A(3)(c) - ERA s103A(3)(d) - ERA s103A(4) – ERA s103(5) – ERA s128(2)
Number of Pages 15
PDF File Link: 2012_NZERA_Christchurch_287.pdf [pdf 325 KB]