Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2016] NZERA Auckland 296
Determination date 31 August 2016
Member Robin Arthur
Representation S Carr ; D Jones
Location Auckland
Parties Labour Inspector v A & J Zaknic & Sons Ltd
Summary PENALTY – Applicant sought penalties for respondent’s failure to provide written employment agreements and keep holiday and leave records
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –PENALTY: Wishes of employees irrelevant, law requires employers to keep certain standards. To allow some employers to be excused because their employees wish it opens employees up to exploitation, unfairly disadvantages other employees and undermines wider interests of society. Some affected employees vulnerable. Affected applicant’s ability to carry out investigation. Respondent aware of obligations. Breaches deliberate. Need for deterrence. $6,000 penalty appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Penalty ($6,000)(payable to Crown) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56)(filing fee) ; No order for costs
Main Category Penalty
Statutes ERA s65 ; ERA s65(4) ; ERA s133A ; ERA s136 ; ERA s174E ; Holidays Act 2003 s75(2)(e) ; Holidays Act 2003 s81
Cases Cited Labour Inspector v Alpine Motor Inn & Caf� (2008) Ltd [2015] NZERA Christchurch 130 ; Labour Inspector v Discount Food Warehouse [2016] NZERA Christchurch 104 ; Labour Inspector v Marx [2016] NZERA Wellington 100 ; Labour Inspector v MD Dara Miah Horticulture Ltd [2016] NZERA Wellington 78 ; Labour Inspector v Sharma & Sons (2009) Ltd [2016] NZERA Auckland 169 ; Labour Inspector v Sun 2 Moon Ltd [2016] NZERA Wellington 92 ; Tan v Yang [2014] NZEmpC 65, [2014] ERNZ 733 ; Xu v McIntosh [2004] 2 ERNZ 448 (EmpC) ; Zonneveld v Maudarra Ltd [2015] NZERA Christchurch 99 ; Zonneveld v Maudarra Ltd [2015] NZERA Christchurch 185
Number of Pages 9
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Auckland_296.pdf [pdf 275 KB]