Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No [2016] NZERA Wellington 132
Hearing date 20-Sep-16
Determination date 03 November 2016
Member M Ryan
Representation J Sebastian ; G Bakker
Location Wellington
Parties Fellowes v Bakker Motels Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - Whether applicant casual employee - Motel cleaner
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Housekeeping work is fundamental to business. Work is foreseeable. Applicant worked every week. Hours were variable but pattern was continuous and sufficiently predictable. Methodology of scheduling demonstrated mutual obligation to work. Applicant permanent employee. Respondent failed to put reasons for dismissal to applicant and allow opportunity to comment. Dismissal substantively and procedurally unfair. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $1,995 reimbursement of lost wages. $4,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($1,995.84) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($4,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A - ERA s103A(3) - ERA s124 - ERA s128(2) - Holidays Act 2003 s50(1)(a)
Cases Cited Barnes v Whangarei Returned Services Association (Inc) [1997] ERNZ 626 (EmpC);Jinkinson v Oceana Gold (NZ) Ltd [2009] ERNZ 225 (EmpC)
Number of Pages 8
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Wellington_132.pdf [pdf 237 KB]