Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2014] NZERA Auckland 152
Hearing date 15 Apr 2014
Determination date 22 April 2014
Member E Robinson
Representation M Nutsford ; K Stout
Location Auckland
Parties Broome v Ken Stout Motors Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Respondent’s performance concerns regarding applicant not formally investigated - Complaint from customer involving applicant that repair work undertaken without prior authorisation – Respondent claimed applicant not meeting expectation of value to business given applicant’s experience - Automotive Service Technician
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Genuine redundancy situation existed however respondent failed to act in good faith or follow fair procedure. Defects in process not minor and applicant deprived of opportunity to comment on process prior to final decision being taken. Respondent influenced by performance concerns which were not properly investigated. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $7,644 reimbursement of lost wages. $6,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($7,644.80) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($6,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA;ERA s4;ERA s4(1A)(c);ERA s103A;ERA s103A(5);ERA s124;ERA s128(2)
Cases Cited Simpsons Farms Ltd v Aberhart [2006] ERNZ 825;Vice-Chancellor of Massey University v Wrigley [2011] ERNZ 138
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Auckland_152.pdf [pdf 164 KB]