Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No [2014] NZERA Wellington 7
Hearing date 3 Dec 2013
Determination date 22 January 2014
Member M Ryan
Representation S Govender ; G Taylor
Location Napier
Parties Hodgson v Downey's City Butchery Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Redundancy - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Respondent requested applicant work different hours and on weekends to deal with busy periods - Applicant opposed change to hours and dismissed - Respondent made offer of 'personal grievance money' - Butcher
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent's offer of 'personal grievance money' not concession dismissal unjustified. Respondent entitled to conclude additional staffing needed on certain days and decision made for sound commercial reasons. Brief discussion between parties about applicant's skills being required on proposed days. Discussion restricted to whether applicant would accept change in working hours. Consultation process inadequate. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. $3,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted; Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,000); Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4(1A)(c) - ERA s103A - ERA s124
Cases Cited Aoraki Corporation Ltd v McGavin [1998] 1 ERNZ 601;Rittson-Thomas t/a Totara Hills Farm v Davidson [2013] NZEmpC 39;Simpsons Farms Ltd v Aberhart [2006] ERNZ 825
Number of Pages 14
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Wellington_7.pdf [pdf 318 KB]