Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2014] NZERA Christchurch 205
Hearing date 18 Sep 2014
Determination date 08 December 2014
Member D Appleton
Representation G Burness ; P Butler
Location Kaikoura
Parties Walker v Gael and Anor
Other Parties Watson
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondents – Whether applicant dismissed or abandoned employment – Whether applicant dismissed after handing in notice – PENALTY – Applicant sought penalty for respondents’ failure to provide employment agreement prior to commencement of employment – Junior assistant
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant dismissed during telephone conversation. No opportunity for applicant to explain why applicant failed to show up for work that day or why applicant so upset. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: 25 per cent contributory conduct. Respondents to pay applicant $183 reimbursement of lost wages. $3,750 compensation appropriate.;PENALTY: Penalty only sought in closing submissions. No penalty.
Result Application granted (unjustified dismissal) ; Contributory conduct (25%) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($183.19) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,750) ; Application dismissed (penalty) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s114;ERA s128;ERA s160(1)(a)
Number of Pages 13
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Christchurch_205.pdf [pdf 297 KB]