Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2013] NZERA Christchurch 200
Hearing date 24 Sep 2013
Determination date 25 September 2013
Member M B Loftus
Representation S Boele ; G Clarke
Location Timaru
Parties Turner v Burnswick Grange Partnership
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Complaints from colleagues following incidents where applicant threw shovel at colleague and kicked colleague - Verbal altercation with mechanic - Client advised respondent no longer wanted applicant on premises
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent did not put issues to applicant, allow explanation or consider explanation. Respondent’s belief other client wouldn’t accept applicant on site unsubstantiated. Respondent could not take previous staff complaints into account when had ignored them at time especially given failure to allow applicant to comment. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: Thirty per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $2,577 reimbursement of lost wages. No compensation awarded as no evidence given to support claim and applicant admitted expected dismissal.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($2,577.54) ; Costs to lie where they fall
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s103A(5);ERA s124;ERA s128(2)
Cases Cited The Salad Bowl Ltd v Howe-Thornley [2013] NZEmpC 152
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Christchurch_200.pdf [pdf 163 KB]