Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 86
Hearing date 15 Jan 2013
Determination date 12 March 2013
Member T G Tetitaha
Representation M Gray (in person) ; No appearance
Location Auckland
Parties Gray v Pahl
Summary PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE - Identity of employer - Whether employer company in liquidation or respondent - UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Constructive dismissal - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Demotion - Tension in work place - Applicant directed not to touch stock - Negative, aggressive and non-responsive behaviour towards applicant - ARREARS OF WAGES - Applicant sought arrears of wages - No appearance for respondent - Shop assistant and store manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: Applicant employed by respondent.;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant's demotion breached terms of parties' employment agreement. Respondent breached implied terms to act fairly and reasonably towards applicant and provide safe workplace free from bullying. Applicant constructively dismissed. REMEDIES: Respondent to pay applicant $2,709 reimbursement of lost wages; $5,000 compensation appropriate. Interest payable.;ARREARS OF WAGES: Respondent to pay applicant $4,392.12 arrears of wages. Interest payable.
Result Applications granted; Reimbursement of lost wages ($2,709); Compensation for humiliation etc ($5,000); Arrears of wages ($4,392.12); Interest (5%); Costs reserved; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56)(filing fee)
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s128(2) - ERA s131 - ERA Schedule 2 cl11 - ERA Schedule 2 cl15
Cases Cited Auckland Electric Power Board v Auckland Provincial District Local Authorities Officers IUOW Inc [1994] 1 ERNZ 168; [1994] 2 NZLR 415;Auckland etc Shop Employees etc IUOW v Woolworths (NZ) Ltd (1985) ERNZ Sel Cas 136; [1985] 2 NZLR 372;New Zealand Institute of Fashion Technology v Aitken [2004] 2 ERNZ 340;Golden Plains Fodder Australia Pty Ltd v Millard [2007] SASC 391;STAMS v Denhards Bakeries Co (No 2) [1991] 3 ERNZ 941;Turner v Ogilvy & Mather (NZ) Ltd [1995] 1 ERNZ 11;Wellington, Taranaki and Marlborough Clerical etc IUOW v Greenwich (t/a Greenwich and Associates Employment Agency and Complete Fitness Centre) (1983) ERNZ Sel Cas 95
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_86.pdf [pdf 249 KB]