Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2016] NZERA Auckland 3
Hearing date 22-Dec-15
Determination date 22 December 2015
Member Eleanor Robinson
Representation R Ingram ; W Jackson
Location Auckland
Parties Gin-Cowan v Te Whare Wananga o Muma Ltd
Summary JURISDICTION – Whether applicant employee or independent contractor – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – ARREARS OF WAGES – Applicant sought arrears of wages - Early childhood teacher
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;JURISDICTION: Applicant returned signed employment agreement (“EA”). EA did not state subject to proviso of satisfactory references. Offer and acceptance of EA occurred. Mutual intention to create legal relations apparent. Certainty of terms in EA. Employment had commenced before dismissal. Applicant employee.;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: EA contained valid trial provision. Applicant unable to raise personal grievance for unjustified dismissal. Applicant justifiably dismissed.;ARREARS OF WAGES: Applicant entitled to be paid 4 weeks’ notice in accordance with EA. Respondent to pay applicant $5,786 arrears of wages.
Result Application granted (arrears of wages) ; Arrears of wages ($5,786.85) ; Application dismissed (unjustified dismissal) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s5;ERA s6;ERA s6(1)(b)(ii);ERA s6(2);ERA s67A;ERA s67B
Cases Cited Nelson v Porirua Community Law Resource Centre Inc [1993] 2 ERNZ 1109 (EmpC)
Number of Pages 10
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Auckland_3.pdf [pdf 188 KB]