Restrictions Includes non-publication order
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No [2013] NZERA Wellington 60
Hearing date 26 Feb 2013
Determination date 28 May 2013
Member T MacKinnon
Representation V d'Or, D Maniapoto ; B Buckett
Parties Simpson v The New Zealand Family & Foster Care Federation Inc o/a Fostering Kids
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by suspension – Alleged discrimination and racial harassment towards applicant – Warning for displays of anger – Inappropriate comments towards co-worker – Applicant’s wife sent critical letter to respondent – Applicant suspended pending investigation of letter – Team Leader
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: Authority ordered non-publication of personal information relating to respondent’s clients. Applicant given no opportunity to comment on suspension. Not reasonable for respondent to suspend applicant on suspicion over author of letter. Respondent failed to follow fair process. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. $3,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Compensation for humiliation etc. ($3,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A – ERA s103A(3)(a) - ERA s114 - ERA Second Schedule cl10
Cases Cited Graham v Airways Corporation of New Zealand Ltd [2005] ERNZ 587;Simpson v Fostering Kids (New Zealand Family & Foster Care Federation) [2013] NZERA Wellington 5;Tawhiwhirangi v A-G in respect of Chief Executive, Department of Justice [1993] 2 ERNZ 546
Number of Pages 14
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Wellington_60.pdf [pdf 258 KB]