Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 189
Hearing date 6 - 7 May 2013
Determination date 14 May 2013
Member T G Tetitaha
Representation P Swarbrick, K Beck, T Oldfield ; T Clark
Location Auckland
Parties Kreider v Vodafone New Zealand Ltd
Summary DISPUTE – Parties disputed whether applicant’s role and proposed role substantially similar and whether applicant should be appointed to new position – Applicant’s role disestablished following acquisition of competitor - New role included former role’s responsibilities - Whether respondent breached obligation of good faith – General Counsel
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND-;DISPUTE: Authority set aside non-publication order. Organisational change did not make previous role redundant. Skills, remuneration and responsibility similar between roles. Key differences not included in role profile. New role same as previous role. No evidence indicating applicant unsuitable for new role. No requirement to reapply. Good faith personal grievance to be determined at substantive hearing. Questions answered in favour of applicant.
Result Questions answered in favour of applicant ; Costs reserved
Main Category Dispute
Cases Cited Auckland Regional Council v Sanson [1999] 2 ERNZ 597;Wallis v Carter Holt Harvey Ltd [1998] 3 ERNZ 984;GN Hale & Sons Ltd v Wellington Caretakers IUOW (1990) ERNZ Sel Cas 843; [1991] 1 NZLR 151;Rittson-Thomas t/a Totara Hills Farm v Davidson [2013] NZEmpC 39
Number of Pages 12
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_189.pdf [pdf 371 KB]