Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2015] NZERA Christchurch 187
Hearing date 27-Nov-15
Determination date 30 November 2015
Member David Appleton
Representation P Cahill ; Y Zhang
Location Christchurch
Parties Lumb-Vaipapa v B & Y Trust Co 2015 Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Poor performance – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – 90 day trial – Cook
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: 90 day trial period clause in employment agreement did not specify exact length of trial. Clause did not meet statutory requirements so invalid. Respondent did not have sufficient evidence to back up concerns that applicant broke equipment and had not given applicant warnings about behaviour in any case. Respondent did not give raise concerns with applicant or give applicant opportunity to explain and have explanations be considered. Applicant not afforded right to support person. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $683 reimbursement of lost wages. $12,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($683.95) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($12,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4(1)(c);ERA s6(1);ERA s6(2);ERA s6(3);ERA s67A;ERA s67A(2)(a;ERA s67B;ERA s67B(1);ERA s103A;ERA s120;ERA s124;ERA s128;ERA s157(1)
Cases Cited Blackmore v Honick Properties Ltd [2011] NZEmpC 152, [2011] ERNZ 445;Hall v Dionex Pty Ltd [2015] NZEmpC 29;Orakei Group (2007) Ltd v Doherty (No 1) [2008] ERNZ 345;Smith v Stokes Valley Pharmacy (2009) Ltd [2010] NZEmpC 111, [2010] ERNZ 253
Number of Pages 22
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Christchurch_187.pdf [pdf 293 KB]