Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2014] NZERA Auckland 221
Hearing date 17 Apr 2014;30 May 2014
Determination date 06 June 2014
Member E Robinson
Representation D Vinnicombe ; K Thomason
Location Auckland
Parties O'Donoghue v Addcom Contact Solutions LP (formerly known as ABTC Group LP)
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Poor Performance - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Failure to meet sales targets - Sales and product specialist
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: E-mail referring to sales targets for next three months and fact review of applicant's performance had been mentioned in this context meant applicant could reasonably regard respondent as meaning any review would occur at end of three month period. Fair and reasonable employer would have made very clear to applicant that outcome of not meeting expected performance targets would be termination of employment and that continuation of employment now relied on achieving sales target in one month rather than over three month period. Three month period may have represented fair and reasonable opportunity for applicant to improve performance but arbitrary reduction to one month not fair and reasonable. Decision to dismiss applicant made by respondent's chief executive officer based in Australia without applicant having opportunity to address concerns or having explanations given genuine consideration. Process fell short of respondent's good faith and contractual obligations and procedural fairness expectations. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $4,615 reimbursement of lost wages. $3,500 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($4,615.38) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,500) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3);ERA s103A(5);ERA s124;ERA Second Schedule cl12
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Auckland_221.pdf [pdf 190 KB]