Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2014] NZERA Auckland 389
Hearing date 16 Sep 2014
Determination date 19 September 2014
Member R Arthur
Representation C Daly (in person) ; B Bennett
Parties Daly v Hot Kits Ltd (previous known as Hot Wellness Ltd)
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Dismissal - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed - Whether applicant resigned or dismissed - Respondent claimed applicant on three month trial" contract to work part-time while viability of store assessed - Respondent claimed applicant resigned as dissatisfied with respondent and terms of full-time employment agreement - ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY - Applicant sought arrears of wages and holiday pay - Whether agreement pay to be credited towards course costs - Whether applicant authorised too work additional hours - Whether respondent entitled to keep part of final wages owed to offset money applicant owed on staff account"
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Presentation of new agreement did not change basis of employment relationship. Agreement entered to on conditional basis concerning viability of store but condition satisfied as respondent established sufficient business to support full-time position. Parties discussed variation in terms of employment, not end of one employment relationship and beginning of another. Applicant's evidence preferred. Applicant dismissed. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. $5,000 compensation appropriate.;ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY: Applicant not enrolled in course but still entitled to pay for hours worked. No entitlement in regards to hours worked without respondent's authorisation. Amount owed on staff account deduced from wage award for final week. Respondent to pay applicant $1,287 arrears of wages. Applicant not paid holiday pay as respondent wrongly treated applicant as contractor. Respondent to pay applicant $408 arrears of holiday pay.
Result Application granted; Compensation for humiliation etc ($5,000); Arrears of wages ($1,287); Arrears of holiday pay ($408); Disbursements in favour of applicant ($460.70); No order for costs
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4;ERA s124;ERA s174;ERA Second Schedule cl15;Holidays Act 2003 s23;Wages Protection Act 1983
Number of Pages 12
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Auckland_389.pdf [pdf 247 KB]