| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Auckland |
| Reference No | [2017] NZERA Auckland 124 |
| Hearing date | 27-Apr-17 |
| Determination date | 27 April 2017 |
| Member | R Arthur |
| Representation | D Gelb ; V Bainbridge |
| Location | Auckland |
| Parties | Tait v Rem Global Ltd (previously names Figurex Ltd) and Anor |
| Other Parties | Peters |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by first respondent – ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY – Applicant sought arrears of wages and holiday pay – PENALTY – Applicant sought penalty for respondents’ breach of employment agreement – JURISDICTION – Whether Authority has jurisdiction to impose penalty against person adjudicated bankrupt – Operations Manager |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant’s resignation foreseeable consequence of respondent’s behaviour. Applicant constructively dismissed. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. First respondent to pay applicant $10,670 reimbursement of lost wages. $8,000 compensation appropriate.;ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY: First respondent to pay applicant $4,766 arrears of wages and holiday pay. Interest payable.;PENALTY: $2000 penalty against first respondent appropriate.;JURISDICTION: Second respondent liable for instigating and abetting breach. No jurisdiction to impose penalty on bankrupt second respondent without leave of High Court. |
| Result | Applications granted (unjustified dismissal)(arrears of wages)(penalty - first respondent) ; No contributory conduct ; Reimbursement lost wages ($10,670) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($8,000) ; Arrears of wages and holiday pay ($4,766.28); Interest (5%) ; Penalty ($2,000)(first respondent)(payable to Crown) ; Applications dismissed (penalty - second respondent)(jurisdiction) ; Costs reserved. |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s133 ; ERA s134 ; ERA s141 ; ERA s157 ; ERA s161 ; ERA s174 ; ERA s174A ; ERA s174E ; Insolvency Act 2006 s76 ; Insolvency Act 2006 s76(1) ; Insolvency Act 2006 s76(2) ; Insolvency Act 2006 s231 ; Insolvency Act 2006 s232 ; Interpretation Act 1999 s5(3) ; Wages Protection Act 1983 s4 ; Wages Protection Act 1983 s5(1A) ; Wages Protection Act 1983 s13 |
| Cases Cited | Borsboom v Preet PVT Limited [2016] NZEmpC 143;Brownie v Fuster [2010] NZEmpC 127;Computer Concepts Ltd v Coppard [2011] NZERA Auckland 130;Downey v X Factor Services [2011] NZERA Christchurch 157;Fehling v Appleby [2014] NZHRRT 17;Kaye v Auckland District Law Society [1998] 1 NZLR 151 |
| Number of Pages | 15 |
| PDF File Link: | 2017_NZERA_Auckland_124.pdf [pdf 217 KB] |