Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 165
Determination date 03 May 2013
Member R Larmer
Representation G Mayes ; K Burson
Parties Baird v Auckland Council
Summary DISPUTE – Parties disputed respondent’s ability to change motor vehicle policy under applicant’s employment agreement – Applicant entitled to work vehicle for commuting purposes – Whether applicant entitled to compensation for policy change –Whether respondent estopped from changing applicant’s entitlement to work vehicle - UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s failure to consult applicant regarding policy change – Respondent issued applicant notice of cancellation - Client services officer
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;DISPUTE: No ongoing right to work vehicle. Respondent entitled to change policy. No requirement respondent compensate applicant however respondent required to consult applicant. No estoppel. Questions answered in favour of respondent.;UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: Unilateral cancelation of motor vehicle policy not fair or reasonable. Applicant unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s failure to consult applicant regarding policy change. REMEDIES: Remedies reserved by joint request of parties.
Result Questions answered in favour of respondent; Application granted (unjustified disadvantage); Remedies reserved; Costs reserved
Main Category Dispute
Statutes ERA s103A
Cases Cited New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union v New Zealand Fire Service Commission [2011] NZEmpC 149;Communication and Energy Workers Union Inc v Telecom New Zealand Ltd [1993] 2 ERNZ 429;Vector Gas Ltd v Bay of Plenty Energy Ltd [2010] NZSC 5;Silver Fern Farms Ltd v New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trade Unions Inc [2010] NZCA 317
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_165.pdf [pdf 303 KB]