Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 320
Hearing date 5 Jul 2013
Determination date 26 July 2013
Member J Crichton
Representation J Cairns ; No appearance
Location Auckland
Parties Paewhenua v I Engineering Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Poor performance - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Respondent dismissed applicant over phone for “non-performance” – Alleged customer complaints and theft of product from work site – COSTS – Applicant sought contribution towards costs - No appearance for respondent
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant gave consistent and believable testimony. Applicant dismissed over telephone. Few circumstances where telephone dismissal justified. Alleged complaints and theft never put to applicant. No opportunity to offer explanation or defence. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. $3,000 compensation appropriate. Respondent to pay applicant $5,000 reimbursement of lost wages.;COSTS: Length of investigation meeting not specified. Respondent to pay applicant $460 contribution towards costs.
Result Applications granted ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,000) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($5,000) ; Costs in favour of applicant ($460)
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s124
Number of Pages 5
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_320.pdf [pdf 139 KB]