Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No [2014] NZERA Wellington 21
Hearing date 30 Jan 2014
Determination date 03 March 2014
Member G J Wood
Representation B Paradza v S Davies
Location Wellington
Parties Alba v Pegsus Station Ltd t/a Mobil Karori
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Constructive dismissal - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Whether applicant harassed and bullied by manager - Raised voice - Comments on performance - Whether respondent failed to investigate applicant's complaints - Leave without authority - COUNTERCLAIM - RECOVERY OF MONIES - Respondent sought recovery of additional wages inadvertently paid to applicant - Retail store manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant genuinely felt harassed and bullied but viewed objectively actions not sufficiently serious to constitute breach of duty. By time of resignation behaviour not repeated for several months as respondent had taken sufficient steps to minimise contact. Reason for resignation involved potential disciplinary action regarding unauthorised leave. Although some delay in investigation, delay did not constitute breach. No dismissal.;COUNTERCLAIM - RECOVERY OF MONIES: Applicant unaware of overpayment. Applicant spent money in good faith and would be inequitable for applicant to repay money, especially due to applicant's personal and financial circumstances. no recovery of monies.
Result Applications dismissed; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s122
Cases Cited Auckland Electric Power Board v Auckland Provincial District Local Authorities Officers Industrial Union Of Workers (Inc) [1994] 1 ERNZ 168;Foai v Air New Zealand Ltd [2012] NZEmpC 57;New Zealand Woollen Workers IUOW v Distinctive Knitwear New Zealand Ltd (1990) ERNZ Sel Cas 791; [1990] 2 NZILR 438;Wellington Clerical IUW v Greenwich (1983) ERNZ Sel Cas 95
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Wellington_21.pdf [pdf 198 KB]