Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 248
Hearing date 21 Feb 2013
Determination date 12 June 2013
Member T G Tetitaha
Representation D Dong (in person) ; P Swarbrick, M McGoldrick
Location Auckland
Parties Dong v Kiwisports Preschool Ltd t/a Kiwicare Preschool
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Restructure – Transitional arrangement – Reduction of government funding – Whether applicant dismissed because of argument with fellow employee – Whether applicant permanent employee – Whether applicant aware of possible redundancy – Pre-school teacher
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Little evidence applicant dismissed because of argument with fellow employee. Applicant offered permanent employment. Inadequate consultation and applicant not told about redundancy. Applicant not made aware of selection criteria. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $3,520 reimbursement of lost wages. $8,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($3,520) ; Compensation for humiliation ($8,000) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56)(filing fee) ; No order for costs
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s124;ERA s128(1);ERA s128(2)
Cases Cited Aoraki Corp Ltd v McGavin [1998] 1 ERNZ 601 ; [1998] 3 3 NZLR 276;Coutts Cars Ltd v Baguley [2001] ERNZ 660 ; [2002] 2 NZLR 533;G N Hale & Sons Ltd v Wellington etc Caretakers etc IUOW (1990) ERNZ Sel Cas 843 ; [1991] 1 NZLR 151;Rittson-Thomas (t/as Totara Hills Farm) v Davidson (2013) 10 NZELR 391;Telecom New Zealand Ltd v Nutter [2004] 1 ERNZ 315;Wellington College of Education v Scott [1999] 1 ERNZ 98
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_248.pdf [pdf 210 KB]