Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2015] NZERA Christchurch 194
Hearing date 29-Oct-15
Determination date 10 December 2015
Member Helen Doyle
Representation W Heal ; G Downing
Location Nelson
Parties Brownlie v Tony & Janet Rusbatch t/a Golden Bay Flowers and Garden
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed – Florist
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant had no knowledge of specific allegations facing her made by respondent. Fair and reasonable employer could not conclude applicant talking to partner at home about issues at work to be misconduct, let alone serious misconduct. Applicant dismissed not for own actions but for actions of her partner. Good faith obligations required respondent to provide applicant with relevant information, and opportunity to respond to concerns. Respondent unable to genuinely consider explanations against concerns before dismissing applicant. Process fundamentally flawed. Applicant unjustifiably dismissed. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $9,138 reimbursement of lost wages. $6,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($9,138.37) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($6,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4(1A);ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3);ERA s103A(3)(b);ERA s103A(3)(d);ERA s123(1)(b);ERA s123(1)(c)(i);ERA s124;ERA s128(1)
Number of Pages 16
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Christchurch_194.pdf [pdf 282 KB]