Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 375
Hearing date 16 Aug 2013
Determination date 22 August 2013
Member R Larmer
Representation M Moncur ; Don Li
Location Auckland
Parties Mao v NZ Visionary Vanguard Ltd t/a Shynday Kitchen and Bathroom
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – No written employment agreement (“EA”) or job description - Labour Inspector visited respondent following complaint and applicant observed talking to Labour Inspector – Applicant claimed told not to come back to work if did not sign EA describing casual position - Respondent terminated applicant’s employment after EA signed - Applicant told would not receive wages following termination unless signed agreement to not bring claim against respondent – Respondent claimed applicant made redundant as respondent in serious financial difficulty - COSTS - Applicant sought $3,500 contribution towards costs
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant dismissed. Employees of respondent in same role as applicant remained employed. Respondent did not go through proper selection process for redundancy. No valid 90 day trial period. Respondent advertised for new staff following applicant’s dismissal. Respondent did not follow fair and proper process in dismissing applicant. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $14,591 reimbursement of lost wages. $2,000 compensation appropriate.;COSTS: Less than one day investigation meeting. Appropriate to halve notional daily tariff as respondent facing financial difficulties. Respondent to pay applicant $875 contribution towards costs.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($14,591.70) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($2,000) ; Costs in favour of applicant ($875) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56)(filing fee)
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4(1A);ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3);ERA s128(3);Holidays Act 2003;Minimum Wage Act 1983
Number of Pages 10
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_375.pdf [pdf 235 KB]