Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 423
Hearing date 20 Aug 2013
Determination date 18 September 2013
Member J Crichton
Representation G Bennett ; M Broadbelt
Location Whangarei
Parties Phillips v Croft Pole Distributors Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFED DISMISSAL – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Applicant promoted – Respondent engaged in consultation to change shift pattern and made clear current shift pattern unlikely to remain – Applicant sought to resign as supervisor and continue as day shift operator – Whether applicant’s resignation unconditional – Whether applicant misused authority by requiring other staff to work applicant’s night shifts – Supervisor
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant’s resignation conditional as sought to remain employed and not work nights. Applicant employed as supervisor. No vacancy for day shift operator. Respondent sought to change roster fundamentally so that no employees would only work days or nights. Applicant aware of changes to roster. Respondent could not accept conditions imposed by applicant and entitled to treat applicant’s resignation as unconditional. Respondent entered extensive consultation with applicant, properly investigated whether alternative positions within workplace and gave applicant opportunity to seek advice. Respondent justified in not accepting applicant back into workforce on terms and conditions that would disadvantage other employees or business. Respondent entitled to accept applicant’s resignation. No dismissal.
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_423.pdf [pdf 173 KB]