| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | [2012] NZERA Christchurch 284 |
| Hearing date | 21 Sep 2012 |
| Determination date | 21 December 2012 |
| Member | C Hickey |
| Representation | J Lowe (in person) ; J Latimer |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Parties | Lowe v George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Restructure - Whether applicant bullied by respondent – Whether applicant offered redeployment - Finance Manager |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Redundancy genuine. Applicant not given reasonable time to give feedback on restructure. Respondent not required to announce restructure prior to meeting. Respondent did not have pre- determined replacement for applicant. Respondent did not offer applicant re-located role or suitable redeployment opportunities. Respondent not to make decision pre-emptively on whether applicant interested in redeployment. Redundancy process flawed. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant 8 weeks reimbursement of lost wages. $6000 compensation appropriate. |
| Result | Application granted; Reimbursement of lost wages (8 weeks); Compensation for humiliation etc ($6000); Costs reserved |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s4(1A)(b) - ERA s4(1A)(c) - ERA s103A(3) – ERA s124 - ERA s128 - ERA s174 |
| Cases Cited | Angus v Ports of Auckland Ltd [2011] (2011) 9 NZELC 94,015; (2011) 9 NZELR 40;Jinkinson v Oceania Gold (NZ) Ltd (No 2) (2011) 9 NZELC 93,655;Simpsons Farm’s Ltd v Aberhart [2006] ERNZ 825;Wang v Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust [2010] ERNZ 468 |
| Number of Pages | 18 |
| PDF File Link: | 2012_NZERA_Christchurch_284.pdf [pdf 291 KB] |