Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2015] NZERA Christchurch 69
Hearing date 22 May 2015
Determination date 28 May 2015
Member D Appleton
Representation AJ Lodge ; no appearance
Location Invercargill
Parties Charlton v Southland Lightweight Concrete Ltd
Summary JURISDICTION – Whether applicant employee or independent contractor - Three disputed periods of potential employment, periods A, B and C - ARREARS OF WAGES – Applicant sought arrears of wages – Concrete installer
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –JURISDICTION: Respondent accepted applicant employee during period A. During period B, arrangements between parties same as during period A, except that applicant paid in lump sums and applicant accounted for tax. Control and integration tests suggested applicant employee. Parties never agreed terms of independent contractor relationship so applicant could not be contractor. Applicant employee during period B. During period C, applicant subject to casual employment agreement, although applicant not signed by applicant. Arrangements same as before. Applicant paid hourly rate plus holiday pay and received sick and bereavement leave. Applicant unable to refuse work or send substitute. During period C, respondent began paying applicant in lump sums. Applicant employee during period C. Applicant employee at all times.ARREARS OF WAGES: Respondent failed to provide wages and time records. Applicant provided accurate records. Respondent to pay applicant $10,619 arrears of wages. Interest payable.
Result Applications granted ; Arrears of wages ($10,619.30) ; Interest (5%) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Jurisdiction
Statutes ERA s6;ERA s6(1)(a);ERA s131;ERA s132;ERA Second Schedule cl 11;Judicature Act 1908 s87;Judicature Act 1908 s87(3);Judicature (Prescribed Rate of Interest) Order 2011 cl4
Cases Cited Bryson v Three Foot Six Ltd (No 2) [2005] NZSC 34, [2005] 3 NZLR 721
Number of Pages 13
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Christchurch_69.pdf [pdf 246 KB]