Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2016] NZERA Auckland 404
Hearing date 16 Nov 2016 - 17 Nov 2016 (2 days)
Determination date 09 December 2016
Member A Fitzgibbon
Representation A Kersjes ; S Tee
Location Auckland
Parties Leech v Big Mal Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Summary Dismissal – Labourer
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Fair and reasonable employer could not have reached conclusion that applicant’s conduct serious enough to justify dismissal. Respondent did not properly investigate concerns. Dismissal letter did not mention altercation as reason for dismissal. Respondent did not follow fair process in dismissing applicant. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $7,087 reimbursement of lost wages. $10,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($7,087.50) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($10,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A(1) ; ERA s103A(2) ; ERA s103A(3) ; ERA s103A(5) ; ERA s124
Cases Cited Angus v Ports of Auckland Ltd [2011] NZEmpC 160, [2011] ERNZ 466 ; Northern Distribution Union v BP Oil New Zealand Ltd [1992] 3 ERNZ 483 (CA)
Number of Pages 16
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Auckland_404.pdf [pdf 280 KB]