Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2016] NZERA Auckland 335
Hearing date 28-Sep-16
Determination date 04 October 2016
Member V Campbell
Representation AM McInally ; P Skelton
Location Auckland
Parties Minhinnick v New Zealand Steel Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s failure to grant full bereavement leave – Whether whangai brother a brother for purposes of s 69(2)(a)(iv) Holidays Act 2003
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: s 69(2)(a)(iv) should be interpreted to recognise relationship of whangai brother. Respondent’s actions in refusing applicant three days’ bereavement leave not action fair and reasonable employer could take. Applicant unjustifiably disadvantaged by requirement to take two days’ annual leave. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent ordered to reinstate two days’ annual leave. $1,000 compensation for humiliation etc. appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Orders made ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($1,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s174E ; Holidays Act 2003 s62 ; Holidays Act 2003 s69 ; Holidays Act 2003 s69(2)(a) ; Holidays Act 2003 s70 ; Adoption Act 1955 s19 ; Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 s4 ; Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 s115
Cases Cited Air New Zealand Ltd v Johnston [1992] 1 NZLR 159 (CA) ; Air New Zealand Ltd v New Zealand Airline Pilots Association Inc [2016] NZCA 131, [2016] 2 NZLR 829 ; Arnold v Britton [2015] UKSC 36, [2015] AC 1619 ; Firm PI 1 Ltd v Zurich Australian Insurance Ltd t/a Zurich New Zealand [2014] NZSC 147, [2015] 1 NZLR 432 ; Keelan v Peach [2003] 1 NZLR 589 (CA) ; Sainsbury v Graham [2009] NZFLR 173 (HC) ; Vector Gas Ltd v Bay of Plenty Energy Ltd [2010] NZSC 5, [2010] 2 NZLR 444 ; Whittaker v Maori Land Court [1997] NZFLR 707 (CA)
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Auckland_335.pdf [pdf 200 KB]