Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2013] NZERA Christchurch 108
Hearing date 23 April 2013
Determination date 12 June 2013
Member D Appleton
Representation N Alexander ; D Jackson
Location Oamaru
Parties MacDonald v Lean Meats Oamaru Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Argument with co-worker – Whether applicant verbally abused co-worker – Whether applicant sprayed co-worker with water – Applicant suspended – Health and safety issue – Previous warnings – Alleged pre-determination – Bonner/trimmer
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Possibility of dismissal conveyed to applicant. Respondent not told to interview certain witnesses. No substantial reason for respondent to interview certain witnesses. No unfairness to applicant in witness not being interviewed by decision-maker. Applicant given fair opportunity to consider evidence relied upon by respondent. Dismissal not predetermined. Fair and reasonable employer could conclude applicant’s conduct serious misconduct. Respondent investigated concerns sufficiently. Dismissal justified.
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s103A(2);ERA s103A(3);ERA s103A(3)(a)
Cases Cited Ioane v Waitakere City Council [2003] 1 ERNZ 104
Number of Pages 16
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Christchurch_108.pdf [pdf 205 KB]