Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2015] NZERA Christchurch 89
Hearing date 16 Apr 2015
Determination date 03 July 2015
Member Christine Hickey
Representation G Bennett ; T Mackenzie
Location Christchurch
Parties Lim v Meadows Mushrooms Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Theft – Harvester
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent breached good faith requirements by searching applicant’s room and involving security guard at applicant’s accommodation. Respondent failed to properly inquire into other possibilities, properly track stolen phone or speak to people involved. Respondent’s investigation insufficient to have reasonable basis for conclusion that applicant responsible for theft. Respondent failed to provide applicant with reasonable opportunity to get representation. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $4,839 reimbursement of lost wages. $3,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($4,839.82) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4;ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3);ERA s124;ERA s128(2);ERA s128(3)
Cases Cited Alatipi v Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections [2015] NZEmpC 7;Honda NZ Ltd v New Zealand Boilermakers Union [1991] 1 NZLR 392 (CA);New Zealand (with exceptions) Shipwrights etc Union v Honda NZ Ltd [1989] 3 NZILR 82 (LC)
Number of Pages 15
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Christchurch_89.pdf [pdf 259 KB]