Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2016] NZERA Auckland 91
Hearing date 16 - 18 Feb 2016 (3 days)
Determination date 22 March 2016
Member Anna Fitzgibbon
Representation P Johnson ; A Russell
Location Auckland
Parties Johnson v Waitemata District Health Board
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Whether failure of competency assessments following return to work after long absence amounted to serious misconduct – Nurse
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant’s actions not deliberate or grossly negligent. Respondent failed to provide support and training as promised to applicant. Applicant’s conduct not sufficient to base disciplinary investigation. No serious misconduct. Respondent did not sufficiently investigate allegations made. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: Reinstatement not practicable and reasonable. 30 per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant reimbursement of lost wages, quantum to be determined. $10,500 compensation for humiliation etc appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Contributory conduct (30%) ; Reimbursement of lost wages (quantum to be determined) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($10,500) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3);ERA s103A(5);ERA s123;ERA s124;ERA s125;ERA s128;ERA s128(2);ERA s128(3);ERA s149;ERA s174;New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000
Cases Cited BP Oil New Zealand Ltd v Northern Distribution Union [1992] 3 ERNZ 483;Makatoa v Restaurant Brands (New Zealand) Ltd [1999] 2 ERNZ 311 (EmpC);Angus v Ports of Auckland [2011] NZEmpC 160, [2011] ERNZ 466;H v A Ltd [2014] NZEmpC 189;Lewis v Howick College Board of Trustees [2010] NZCA 320, (2010) 7 NZELR 539
Number of Pages 19
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Auckland_91.pdf [pdf 302 KB]