| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Auckland |
| Reference No | [2016] NZERA Auckland 115 |
| Hearing date | 14-Apr-16 |
| Determination date | 15 April 2016 |
| Member | Robin Arthur |
| Representation | D Luttig ; C Jonscher |
| Location | Auckland |
| Parties | Singh v Ora HQ Ltd |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s breach of contractual term – PENALTY – GOOD FAITH – Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s breaches good faith and employment agreement (“EA”) – COSTS – Applicant sought contribution towards costs – Quality insurance tester |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: No evidence respondent provided advice trial period not working. Omission more than minor defect, applicant denied opportunity to improve and resulted in being treated unfairly. Applicant unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s breach of contractual term.;PENALTY – GOOD FAITH: Insufficient evidence to establish respondent deliberately breached good faith obligations. Applicant vulnerable and suffered serious harm. Respondent’s breaches repeated, showed no remorse. Deterrence needed. $7,000 penalty appropriate.;COSTS: Less than one day investigation meeting. Respondent to pay applicant $2,000 contribution towards costs. |
| Result | Applications granted (unjustified disadvantage)(penalty)(costs) ; Penalty ($7,000)(payable to Applicant) ; Application dismissed (penalty – good faith) ; Costs in favour of applicant ($2,000) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56)(filing fee) |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s4(1);ERA s4(1A);ERA s4(1A)(a);ERA s4(1A)(b);ERA s4(1A)(c);ERA s4A;ERA s67A;ERA s67A(2);ERA s67B;ERA s67B(2);ERA s67B(3);ERA s103A(3)(b);ERA s123;ERA s123(1)(b);ERA s123(1)(c)(i);ERA s123(1)(c)(ii);ERA s124;ERA s128(3);ERA s134(1);ERA s136;ERA s136(2);ERA s174B;ERA s174E;ERA s238 |
| Cases Cited | Savage v Unlimited Architecture Ltd [1999] 2 ERNZ 40 (EmpC);Smith v Stokes Valley Pharmacy (2009) Ltd [2010] NZEmpC 111, [2010] ERNZ 253;Tan v Yang [2014] NZEmpC 65, [2014] ERNZ 733;Xu v McIntosh [2004] 2 ERNZ 448 (EmpC) |
| Number of Pages | 12 |
| PDF File Link: | 2016_NZERA_Auckland_115.pdf [pdf 268 KB] |