Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2016] NZERA Auckland 374
Hearing date 16-Aug-16
Determination date 15 November 2016
Member T Tetitaha
Representation H White ; D Organ
Location Auckland
Parties van der Net v Texco International Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by collusion of directors to remove applicant from position– Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – PENALTY – GOOD FAITH – Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s breaches of good faith – Sales manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Insufficient evidence to conclude that directors colluding to end applicant’s employment. Other employee not brought in to replace applicant. Other employee’s behaviour not inappropriate or calculated to cause applicant’s resignation. Respondent entitled to start disciplinary process about applicant’s secret recording of meeting. No evidence of bias by decision-maker. No unjustified disadvantage. Applicant’s resignation not reasonably foreseeable. No dismissal.PENALTY – GOOD FAITH: No breach of good faith. No penalty.
Result Applications dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4(1A)(c) ; ERA s160(2)
Cases Cited D’Arcy Smith v Natural Habitats Ltd [2015] NZEmpC 123 ; Keepa v Go Bus Transport Ltd [2015] NZEmpC 180 ; Northern Distribution Union v BP Oil New Zealand Ltd [1992] 3 ERNZ 483 (CA) ; Yan v Commissioner of Inland Revenue [2015] NZEmpC 36 ; Yan v Commissioner of Inland Revenue [2015] NZCA 401
Number of Pages 13
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Auckland_374.pdf [pdf 202 KB]