| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | [2016] NZERA Christchurch 35 |
| Hearing date | 10-Dec-15 |
| Determination date | 30 March 2016 |
| Member | Christine Hickey |
| Representation | AJ Lodge ; R Thompson |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Parties | Haberfield v Rapid Densification NZ Ltd |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – PENALTY – GOOD FAITH – Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s breach of good faith – Piling rig operator |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL : New IEA less favourable to applicant and ultimatum to sign itbreached duty of trust and confidence. Breach so significant that it caused applicant’s resignation. Reasonably foreseeable that applicant would resign. Applicant constructively dismissed. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $6,751 reimbursement of lost wages. $4,000 compensation appropriate.;PENALTY : Breach of good faith deliberate and intended to undermine applicant’s bargaining. Respondent showed no remorse. $2,000 penalty appropriate. |
| Result | Applications granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($6,751.49) ; Compensation for humiliation, loss of dignity and injury to feelings ($4,000) ; Penalty ($2,000)(payable to Crown) ; Costs reserved |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s 4(1);ERA s 4(1A);ERA s 4A;ERA s 128(2);ERA s 128(3);ERA s 174C(3);ERA s 174C(4) |
| Cases Cited | Auckland Shop Employees IUOW v Woolworths (NZ) Ltd [1985] 2 NZLR 372 (CA);Tan v Yang [2014] NZEmpC 65;Telecom New Zealand Ltd v Nutter [2004] 1 ERNZ 315 (CA);Xu v McIntosh [2004] 2 ERNZ 448 (EmpC) |
| Number of Pages | 14 |
| PDF File Link: | 2016_NZERA_Christchurch_35.pdf [pdf 248 KB] |