Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2013] NZERA Christchurch 106
Hearing date 7 Jun 2013
Determination date 10 June 2013
Member D Appleton
Representation K O'Sullivan ; J Copeland
Location Dunedin
Parties New Zealand Tramways and Public Passenger Transport Employees Union - Dunedin Inc v Invercargill Passenger Transport Ltd
Summary BARGAINING – Application for reference to facilitation – Respondent took over bus company – Inherited collective agreement - Applicant initiated bargaining – Respondent unaware previous collective agreement would remain in force following expiry – Respondent proposed changes to existing collective agreement - Multiple proposals rejected by both parties – Whether applicant unwilling to meet, explain and discuss proposal – Mediation unsuccessful – Applicant ignored request for further bargaining meeting - Whether bargaining unduly protracted
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;BARGAINING: Mutual misunderstanding about roadblocks to agreement. Respondent had already made concessions applicant sought. Parties close to settling differences. No serious difficulties concluding agreement. Facilitation could not be sought when unclear what matters needed referring. Parties likely to conclude agreement. Relatively few negotiations. Respondent largely proactive. Bargaining not unduly protracted. Application for reference to facilitation declined.
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Bargaining
Statutes ERA s3 – ERA s31 – ERA s31(d) – ERA s31(1)(ca) - ERA s32 – ERA s33 - ERA s50A – ERA s50A(1) - ERA s50B – ERA s50B(1) - ERA S50C - ERA s50C(1)(b) – ERA s50C(1)(b)(i) – ERA s50C(1)(b)(ii)
Cases Cited McCain Foods (NZ) Ltd v Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota Inc [2009] ERNZ 28;Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota Inc v Sanford Ltd [2012] NZEmpC 168
Number of Pages 19
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Christchurch_106.pdf [pdf 277 KB]