Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 517
Hearing date 19 Aug 2013
Determination date 13 November 2013
Member J Crichton
Representation R McNaughton ; P Swarbrick
Location Hamilton
Parties Paki v The Warehouse Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – While operating checkout applicant gave incorrect change to customer, argued with customer and continued arguing after supervisor instructed applicant to withdraw and apologise
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant acknowledged behaviour serious misconduct and reasonable for respondent to move on and address consequences of behaviour rather than conduct further enquiries. Applicant trained by respondent on how to behave and received and signed house rules but commenced argumentative exchange with customer and persevered when told to stop by supervisor. Respondent determined behaviour serious misconduct and entitled to reach conclusion even if applicant hadn’t conceded point. Respondent considered applicant’s pleas in mitigation and responded specifically to each matter. Respondent entitled to take into account previous disciplinary issues and informed applicant of this intention. Open to respondent to conclude dismissal only possible outcome in circumstances. Process adopted by respondent standard disciplinary process informed by best practice and respondent’s decision making measured and fair minded. Dismissal justified.
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Pacific Blue Employment & Crewing Ltd v B [2010] NZEmpC 112;Paki v The Warehouse Ltd [2013] NZERA Auckland 482
Number of Pages 10
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_517.pdf [pdf 174 KB]