Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2014] NZERA Auckland 20
Hearing date 18 Dec 2013
Determination date 22 January 2014
Member A Fitzgibbon
Representation H White ; J Miller
Location Auckland
Parties Saua v EQE Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Serious misconduct - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Allegation applicant did not follow correct procedure when obtaining stock from factory and actions amounted to theft - Two warnings - Factory shop assistant
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND-;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent not credible. No policy regulating taking stock for personal use. Respondent's approach to taking stock vague and confusing. Respondent did not meet with applicant prior to warnings. Applicant did not undertake proper investigation into allegations. Applicant not informed of entitlement to representation. No opportunity to explain. Respondent failed to comply with principles of natural justice. Respondent not fair or reasonable. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: 50 per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $7,377 reimbursement of lost wages. $2,500 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted; Contributory conduct (50%); Reimbursement of lost wages ($7,377.73); Compensation for humiliation etc ($2,500); Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A - ERA s103A(3) - ERA s124 - ERA s128(2)
Cases Cited Angus v Ports of Auckland Ltd (No 2) [2011] ERNZ 466
Number of Pages 12
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Auckland_20.pdf [pdf 251 KB]