| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | [2013] NZERA Christchurch 199 |
| Hearing date | 17 Jun 2013 |
| Determination date | 24 September 2013 |
| Member | C Hickey |
| Representation | M Thomas, R Donnelly ; D Rhodes |
| Location | Queenstown |
| Parties | Cowie v HOAMZ Ltd |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Respondent proposed disestablishing applicant’s role – Applicant swore at manager – Respondent agreed to give applicant paid leave until meeting to discuss proposal – Applicant’s access to work emails revoked - Applicant’s emails diverted to other staff - Redundancy confirmed – Whether applicant should have been offered redeployment – New employee given work car - Rentals division manager |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: No exceptional circumstances negated duty to consult. Respondent did not request feedback. No meaningful consultation. Respondent unilaterally disconnected applicant’s email access. Room to negotiate salary for new role. Respondent overstated savings. Decision to make applicant redundant not based on reliable figures. Respondent considered applicant’s outburst precluded consideration for alternative role. Respondent failed to consult about possible redeployment. Mixed-motives for redundancy. Respondent had advice on redundancy process. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $9,963 reimbursement of lost wages. $7,000 compensation appropriate. |
| Result | Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($9,963.99) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($7,000) ; Costs reserved |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s4 – ERA s4(1A)(c) - ERA s103A – ERA s124 - ERA s128(2) – ERA s128(3) |
| Cases Cited | Brake v Grace Team Accounting Ltd (2013) 10 NZELC 79-026;G N Hale & Sons Ltd v Wellington etc Caretakers etc IUOW (1990) ERNZ Sel Cas 843 ; [1991] 1 NZLR 151;Jinkinson v Oceana Gold (NZ) Ltd (No 2) (2011) 9 NZELC 93,655;Rittson-Thomas (t/as Totara Hills Farm) v Davidson (2013) 10 NZELR 391;Simpsons Farms Ltd v Aberhart [2006] ERNZ 825;Tan v Morningstar Institute of Education Ltd t/a Morningstar Preschool [2013] NZEmpC 82;Wang v Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust [2010] ERNZ 468 |
| Number of Pages | 17 |
| PDF File Link: | 2013_NZERA_Christchurch_199.pdf [pdf 233 KB] |