Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2016] NZERA Christchurch 202
Hearing date 23-Aug-16
Determination date 09 November 2016
Member C Hickey
Representation A Whelan ; D Hudson
Location Invercargill
Parties Luckman v TK & A Stevens Contracting Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Incapacity - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – COUNTERCLAIM – RECOVERY OF MONIES – Respondent sought recovery of monies incurred by cleaning of accommodation – Stock manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Arguable that respondent did not take reasonable steps to consult applicant about timeframe for injury to heal. Respondent did not take reasonable steps to get informed medical opinion about applicant’s ability to perform required duties or give applicant reasonable opportunity to respond. More than likely that applicant’s employment would have been terminated if fair process had been followed. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. $2,000 compensation appropriate.COUNTERCLAIM – RECOVERY OF MONIES: No jurisdiction to hear residential tenancies claim. In any case, evidence establishes that respondent was happy with state of premises when applicant left and respondent did not present sufficient evidence to say that premises left in bad state. No recovery of monies.
Result Application granted ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($2,000) ; Application dismissed (counterclaim – recovery of monies) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56) ; No order for costs
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A ; ERA s103A(3) ; Residential Tenancies Act 1986 s4 ; Residential Tenancies Act 1986 s5
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Christchurch_202.pdf [pdf 206 KB]