Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2013] NZERA Christchurch 62
Hearing date 25 Jan 2013
Determination date 08 April 2013
Member P R Stapp
Representation C March (in person) ; N McPhail
Parties Marsh v General Distributors Ltd t/a Countdown Church Corner
Summary RAISING PERSONAL GRIEVANCE – Whether grievance raised within 90 days – Alleged harassment and discrimination – Issue of beanie and gloves – RECOVERY OF MONIES – Applicant sought recovery of legal fees – DISPUTE – Parties disputed whether respondent able to alter applicant’s work hours and instruct applicant to count cartons – Applicant did not agree to change of work hours – Applicant claimed health and safety issues as counting cartons distracting and stressful
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;RAISING PERSONAL GRIEVANCE: Historical matters raised by applicant not raised properly as grievances. Grievance not raised within 90 days.;RECOVERY OF MONIES: Nothing in employment agreement requiring respondent to pay legal fees incurred by applicant during course of applicant’s employment and in resolution of employment relationship problem. Not appropriate for applicant to recover such costs as matter of public policy. No recovery of monies.;DISPUTE: Respondent consulted applicant over proposed changes to applicant’s work hours. Other appropriate avenues for applicant to deal with any health and safety issue surrounding counting cartons. Open to respondent to change applicant’s work hours and to instruct applicant to count cartons. Questions answered in favour of respondent.
Result Applications dismissed ; Questions answered in favour of respondent ; Costs reserved
Main Category Dispute
Statutes ERA;ERA s114
Cases Cited New Zealand (with exceptions) Shipwrights Union v Honda New Zealand Ltd (1989) 3 NZELC 97,546
Number of Pages 9
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Christchurch_62.pdf [pdf 186 KB]