Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2016] NZERA Christchurch 116
Hearing date 18-May-16
Determination date 18 July 2016
Member Peter van Keulen
Representation J Everist ; JW Howell
Location Timaru
Parties Cabig v Waitohi Dairy Ltd
Summary DISPUTE - Parties disputed whether agreement to provide additional benefits - UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE - Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s misleading behaviour during negotiation for employment agreement and respondent’s failure to provide additional benefits - ARREARS OF WAGES - Applicant sought arrears of wages - Whether respondent failed to pay minimum wage
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -DISPUTE: Parties discussed meal allowance and this reflected in salary increase. Insufficient evidence to show parties agreed to production bonus and airfare benefits. Terms too uncertain to enforce. No agreement to provide additional benefits. Question answered in favour of respondent.UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: No agreement to provide additional benefits. Respondent did not lead applicant to believe he was entitled to benefits. No unjustified disadvantage.ARREARS OF WAGES: In absence of wage and time records, entitled to rely on applicant’s records. Applicant’s records reasonably contemporaneous. According to records applicant paid under minimum wage. Respondent to pay applicant $2,493 arrears of wages.
Result Question answered in favour of respondent ; Application granted (Arrears of wages) ; Arrears of wages ($2,493.43) ; Application dismissed (Unjustified disadvantage) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Dispute
Statutes ERA s132 - Minimum Wage Act 1983
Cases Cited Gunning v Bankrupt Vehicle Sales and Finance Ltd [2013] NZEmpC 212, (2013) 11 NZELR 240;Law v Board of Trustees of Woodford House [2014] NZEmpC 25, [2014] ERNZ 576;O'Shea v Pekanga O Te Awa Farms Ltd [2016] NZEmpC 19, [2016] ERNZ 94
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Christchurch_116.pdf [pdf 236 KB]