Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2014] NZERA Christchurch 168
Hearing date 14 Oct 2014
Determination date 29 October 2014
Member M B Loftus
Representation S Hayes (in person) ; B Oliver
Location Gore
Parties Hayes and Ors v Hungry Hound Ltd
Other Parties L Hayes, D Hayes
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Constructive Dismissal – Applicants claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Whether first and third applicants casual employees – Schoolchildren – Whether second applicant constructively dismissed – Whether second applicant resigned as result of inappropriate language and behaviour by respondent’s director (“B”)
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: First and third applicants had set weekly hours. First and third applicants part time employees rather than casual employees. First and third applicants dismissed when respondent removed all hours. No evidence to support respondent’s claim not enough business to retain first and third applicants. No evidence procedural requirements met. Dismissals of first and third respondents unjustified. No evidence B’s conduct anything more than inconsiderate. Second applicant not constructively dismissed. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay first applicant $910 reimbursement of lost wages and third applicant $2,957 reimbursement of lost wages. $1,500 compensation appropriate for first and third applicants.
Result Applications granted (unjustified dismissal)(first and third applicants) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($910)(first applicant)($2,957.50)(third applicant) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($1,500)(first applicant)($1,500)(third applicant) ; Application dismissed (unjustified dismissal)(second applicant) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA;ERA s4(1A)(c);ERA s103A;ERA s103A(5);ERA s122;ERA s124;ERA s128(2)
Cases Cited Jinkinson v Oceana Gold (NZ) Ltd (No 2) (2011) 9 NZELC 93,655;Salad Bowl Ltd v Howe-Thornley [2013] ERNZ 326;Wellington, Taranaki and Marlborough Clerical etc IUOW v Greenwich (t/a Greenwich and Associates Employment Agency and Complete Fitness Centre) (1983) ERNZ Sel Cas 95
Number of Pages 10
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Christchurch_168.pdf [pdf 949 KB]