Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2015] NZERA Auckland 281
Hearing date 22 Apr 2015 to 23 Apr 2015 and 11 Jun 2015 (3 days)
Determination date 17 September 2015
Member J Crichton
Representation C Patterson ; P van Keulen
Location Auckland
Parties Furlong v Internatinoal Cargo Express 2013 Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – BREACH OF CONTRACT – Applicant sought payment of bonus - RESTRAINT OF TRADE – Applicant sought declaration that restraint of trade unenforceable – General manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant failed to make transfer of funds on request. Applicant disobeyed reasonable and lawful instruction. Available to fair and reasonable employer to conclude that applicant guilty of serious misconduct. Dismissal justified.BREACH OF CONTRACT: Parties did not agree on way to calculate bonus entitlement. All elements for bonus not agreed. No bonus payment due to applicant. No breach of contract.RESTRAINT OF TRADE: Respondent had legitimate proprietary interest to protect. Restraint not wider than necessary. Length of restraint not unreasonable in all circumstances. Restraint of trade enforceable.
Result Applications dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Air New Zealand Ltd v Kerr [2013] NZEmpC 153, [2013] ERNZ 581 ; Angus v Ports of Auckland Ltd (No 2) [2011] NZEmpC 160, [2011] ERNZ 466 ; Bosher v Wellington Combined Taxis Ltd [2013] NZERA Wellington 139 ; Hally Labels Ltd v Powell [2011] NZEmpC 43, (2011) 8 NZELR 532 ; Ogilvy & Mather (New Zealand) Ltd v Turner [1996] 1 NZLR 641 (CA) ; Sky Network Television Ltd v Duncan [1998] 3 ERNZ 917 (EmpC)
Number of Pages 17
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Auckland_281.pdf [pdf 206 KB]