Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2013] NZERA Christchurch 56
Hearing date 14 Dec 2012
Determination date 19 March 2013
Member P R Stapp
Representation K Arnott ; P Zwart
Location Blenheim
Parties Harvey v The Home Centre Ltd t/a Marlborough Mitre 10 Mega
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive Dismissal - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Applicant alleged bullied by supervisor - Applicant not forewarned of attendance of supervisor at meeting – Applicant asked by respondent to return to meeting - Supervisor made negative comments regarding applicant and applicant’s mother in attendance as applicant’s support person - Checkout Operator
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent did not fail to provide safe place of work. Respondent breached good faith when put pressure on applicant to return to meeting after which applicant verbally attacked by supervisor. Respondent responsible for situation as respondent’s process went wrong leading to abuse of applicant by supervisor. Applicant constructively dismissed. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $3,920 reimbursement of lost wages. $3,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted; Reimbursement of lost wages ($3,920); Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,000); Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Auckland Electric Power Board v Auckland Provincial District Local Authorities Officers IUOW [1994] 1 ERNZ 168; [1994] 2 NZLR 415;Auckland Shop Employees IUOW v Woolworths (NZ) Ltd (1985) ERNZ Sel Cas 136; [1985] 2 NZLR 372;New Zealand Woollen Workers IUOW v Distinctive Knitwear New Zealand Ltd (1990) ERNZ Sel Cas 791; [1990] 2 NZILR 438;Turks Poultry Farm Limited v Adkins [1996] 1 ERNZ 374;Yong (t/a Yong & Co Chartered Accountants) v Chin [2007] ERNZ 322
Number of Pages 16
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Christchurch_56.pdf [pdf 207 KB]