Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 439
Determination date 25 September 2013
Member T G Tetitaha
Representation S Scott ; R Drake
Location Hamilton
Parties Hepi v Traffic Management NZ Ltd
Summary RECOVERY OF MONIES - PENALTY - Applicant sought recovery of monies deducted from final pay - Applicant sought penalty for applicant's breach of Wages Protection Act 1983 - Applicant resigned following accident where applicant fell asleep at wheel causing damage to work vehicle - Applicant later tested positive for cannabis use - Whether applicant gave written consent to deduction - Whether proven liquidated debt owed by applicant exists and whether debt should offset remedies
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;RECOVERY OF MONIES: No evidence of written consent. Acknowledgement of debt insufficient to constitute written consent. Employment agreement not signed by applicant. Respondent to pay applicant $3915 recovery of monies. Interest payable. $1,000 penalty appropriate. No insurance claim for accident. Respondent prevented from bringing counterclaim until insurance claim made as per respondents motor vehicle policy.
Result Applications granted; Recovery of monies ($3915.55); Penalty ($1,000)(payable to applicant); No order for costs
Main Category Recovery of Monies
Statutes Wage Protection Act 1983 - Wage Protection Act 1983 s11
Cases Cited Amatal Fishing Co Ltd v Morunga [2002] 1 ERNZ 692;Rahts v Criterion Papers NZ Ltd unreported, J Scott, 9 December 1992, AT227A/92
Number of Pages 4
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_439.pdf [pdf 26 KB]