Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2013] NZERA Auckland 547
Hearing date 5 Nov 2013
Determination date 28 November 2013
Member E Robinson
Representation S Austin ; M Hutchins, C Dempster
Location Whakatane
Parties White v Cafe Nikau Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Redundancy - Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by reduction in hours and unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Applicant claimed hours previously allocated to applicant allocated to new staff member - Applicant refused to work weekends or cover shifts - Cafe lease expired and respondent sought to sell business - Whether applicant advised of cafe closure - Chef
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicants working hours fluctuated during employment. No evidence applicant objected to hours varying during employment. Reduction in hours due to genuine commercial reasons. Applicant offered alternative hours but refused. Respondent consulted staff regarding reduction in hours. No unjustified disadvantage. Cafe closure due to genuine commercial reasons. Evidence from staff showed respondent notified staff of closure. Applicant aware of cafe closure. Respondent acted in good faith in genuine redundancy situation. No unjustified dismissal.
Result Application dismissed; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103(1)(b) - ERA s103A
Cases Cited Simpsons Farms Ltd v Aberhart [2006] ERNZ 825
Number of Pages 14
PDF File Link: 2013_NZERA_Auckland_547.pdf [pdf 215 KB]