Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2015] NZERA Christchurch 84
Hearing date 4 Jun 2015
Determination date 25 June 2015
Member J Crichton
Representation A Ogilvie ; J Gu
Location Christchurch
Parties Nee v Best Health Products Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – ARREARS OF WAGES – Applicant sought arrears of wages - PENALTY – GOOD FAITH - Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s failure to provide wage and time records and breach of good faith by failing to pay salary at increased level – Sales manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant only provided with information relevant to own role. Restructuring for genuine financial reasons, although respondent badly run. No evidence of predetermination of outcome. Respondent provided sufficient relevant information to applicant, gave applicant opportunity to comment and tried to engage applicant in consultation process. No unjustified dismissal.ARREARS OF WAGES: Applicant back paid salary increase of 5%. Applicant entitled to bonus payments for business recruitments. Applicant not entitled to bonus payments for Auckland sign-ups. Respondent to pay applicant $625 arrears of wages.PENALTY: Respondent’s conduct incompetent rather than in bad faith. Applicant repeatedly tried to get wage and time records from respondent during employment. Respondent needed to be encouraged to pay attention to employer obligations and needs of employees. $2,500 penalty appropriate.
Result Applications granted (arrears of wages)(penalty) ; Arrears of wages ($625) ; Penalty ($2,500)(payable to applicant) ; Application dismissed (unjustified dismissal) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Rittson-Thomas t/a Totara Hills Harm v Davidson [2013] NZEmpC 39, [2013] ERNZ 55
Number of Pages 14
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Christchurch_84.pdf [pdf 187 KB]