Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 100
Hearing date 20 Feb 2013
Determination date 20 February 2013
Member A Fitzgibbon
Representation V Shepherd (in person) ; B Quarrie
Location Whangarei
Parties Shepherd v Community Business and Environment Centre Cooperative Society Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Applicant attempted unsuccessfully to speak on issue of personal interest at local Council meeting - Respondent instructed applicant regarding future conduct - At Council forum applicant placed closed zip over mouth, handed out documentation and emptied box of electrical parts on floor – Media coverage - Office Manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent provided clear direction to applicant on future contact with Council on behalf of respondent and use of respondent’s name in media. Reasonable for respondent to consider applicant acted in breach of instruction and acted in manner that could bring respondent into disrepute. Respondent entitled to suspend applicant. No unjustified disadvantage. Respondent acted in procedurally fair manner. Dismissal justified.
Result Application dismissed; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103(1)(b);ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3);ERA s124;Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1908
Cases Cited Angus v Ports of Auckland Ltd (2011) 9 NZELC 94,015;Graham v Airways Corporation of New Zealand Ltd [2005] ERNZ 587
Number of Pages 14
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_100.pdf [pdf 262 KB]