Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2015] NZERA Christchurch 119
Hearing date 29 Jul 2015
Determination date 14 August 2015
Member Christine Hickey
Representation E Tait ; No appearance
Location Christchurch
Parties Belley (Labour Inspector) v G L Freeman Holdings Ltd
Summary ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY – Applicant sought arrears of wages and holiday pay – Deductions from wages - PENALTY - Applicant sought penalties for respondent’s breaches of holiday pay and minimum wage obligations– No appearance for respondent - Waitresses and receptionists
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY: Respondent forced employees to take annual leave and failed to pay for reinstated annual leave, failed to pay employee for sick leave with adequate notification and medical certificate, failed to pay holiday pay or pay for alternative days in lieu of public holidays, made deductions without consent and failed to pay wages. Respondent to pay applicant $7,122 arrears of wages and holiday pay. Interest payable.PENALTY: Respondent’s breaches serious but not extreme. Breaches had significant impact on employees. Respondent showed no remorse. $15,000 penalty appropriate.
Result Applications granted ; Arrears of wages and holiday pay ($7,122.86) ; Interest (5%) ; Penalty ($14,500)(payable to Crown)($500)(payable to applicant) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56) ; No order for costs
Main Category Arrears
Statutes ERA Second Schedule cl11;Holidays Act 2003;Holidays Act 2003 s27;Holidays Act 2003 s60;Holidays Act 2003 s65;Wages Protection Act 1983;Wages Protection Act 1983 s4;Wages Protection Act 1983 s5;Minimum Wage Act 1983;Minimum Wage Act 1983 s6;Judicature Act 1908 s87(3);Judicature (Prescribed Rate of Interest) Order 2011
Cases Cited G. L. Freeman Holdings v Livingston [2015] NZEmpC 120;Livingston v G. L. Freeman Holdings Ltd [2013] NZERA 90;McDonald v G. L. Freeman Holdings Ltd [2015] NZERA Christchurch 52;Paengkam v G. L. Freeman Holdings Ltd [2013] NZERA Christchurch 235;Tan v Yang [2014] NZEmpC 65;Xu v McIntosh [2004] 2 ERNZ 448 (EmpC)
Number of Pages 17
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Christchurch_119.pdf [pdf 219 KB]