Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2017] NZERA Christchurch 68
Determination date 03 May 2017
Member H Doyle
Representation K O'Connor (in person) ; J Copeland
Location Christchurch
Parties O'Connor v Southland District Council
Summary DISPUTE - Parties disputed interpretation and application of gratuity clause in individual employment agreement (“EA”) - Applicant sought payment of gratuity upon leaving employment - Respondent claimed entitlement in EA limited to retirement - Building Control Manager
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;DISPUTE: Intention of clause to preserve applicant’s existing gratuity entitlement under previous collective agreement. Clause takes effect only on retirement. Applicant did not satisfy the requirements for a gratuity payment. Question answered in favour of respondent.
Result Question answered in favour of respondent ; Costs reserved
Main Category Dispute
Statutes Finance Act (No 2) 1941 s6 ; Finance Act (No 2) 1941 s6(2)
Cases Cited New Zealand Airlines Pilots’ Association Inc v Air New Zealand Ltd [2016] NZEmpC 161;Silver Fern Farms Ltd v New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trade Unions Inc [2010] ERNZ 317 (CA);Vector Gas Ltd v Bay of Plenty Energy Ltd [2010] NZSC 5
Number of Pages 8
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_68.pdf [pdf 35 KB]