Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No [2013] NZERA Wellington 12
Hearing date 15 Nov 2013
Determination date 30 January 2013
Member T MacKinnon
Representation N Ridder ; D Kilpatrick
Location Wellington
Parties Iva v Strandbags Pty Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent failing to address concerns regarding conduct of applicant’s manager, removal from roster and pay stoppage, and unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Allegation applicant’s manager spoke aggressively, swore, demonstrated racial and other prejudice, belittled, intimidated and humiliated applicant in front of customers - Manager reprimanded applicant for time spent in serving customer - Manager asked applicant to leave for day – Applicant stated would not be returning to work and requested retail manager attend exit interview - Sales Assistant
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: When manager asked applicant to leave for day did not convey that applicant to leave permanently and not return. Witness evidence showed unlikely manager treated applicant in alleged bullying manner. No constructive dismissal. Applicant calmly conveyed intention not to return and respondent not obliged to ask applicant to reconsider. No unjustified dismissal. Applicant not unjustifiably disadvantaged by manager’s behaviour, or by removal from roster and stopping of pay. No unjustified disadvantage.
Result Application dismissed; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Auckland etc Shop Employees etc IUOW v Woolworths (NZ) Ltd (1985) ERNZ Sel Cas 136 ; [1985] 2 NZLR 372;Clear v Waikato District Health Board [2008] ERNZ 646
Number of Pages 16
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Wellington_12.pdf [pdf 261 KB]