Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2014] NZERA Auckland 41
Hearing date 11 Dec 2013
Determination date 05 February 2014
Member J Crichton
Representation R Rolston ; B Hayward
Location Auckland
Parties Heaslip v Hayward Coachlines Ltd
Summary RAISING PERSONAL GRIEVANCE - Whether grievance raised within 90 days -UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Constructive dismissal - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Multiple complaints received about applicant - Dangerous and reckless driving - Whether applicant admitted wrong doing and accepted dismissal as appropriate response - Respondent provided further work to applicant following dismissal - Whether dismissal predetermined - Coach driver
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;RAISING PERSONAL GRIEVANCE: Evidence showed respondent confused about what problem was. Appropriate to determine totality of evidence and claims. Issue not specifically addressed by parties but apparent during investigation, grievance never properly raised. Grievance not raised within 90 days.;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Constructive dismissal not sustainable as applicant dismissed for wrongdoing. Respondent's evidence preferred. Applicant's signature on form identifying wrongdoing. Complaints include allegations of reasonable seriousness and taken together appropriate to conclude dismissal only viable outcome. Somewhat extraordinary that respondent offered applicant further work given the applicants performance led to summary dismissal however Authority did not take matter further. Little weight given to emails from third party in determining whether pre-determination occurred. Faced with admissions of wrongdoing in relation to complaints, respondent fair and reasonable to dismiss applicant. Dismissal justified.
Result Applications dismissed; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Creedy v Commissioner of Police [2006] ERNZ 517
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Auckland_41.pdf [pdf 172 KB]