Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2017] NZERA Christchurch 79
Hearing date 27-Mar-17
Determination date 24 May 2017
Member D Appleton
Representation C Grant ; I Gilbert
Location Christchurch
Parties Mahieu v Gilbert & Associates Ltd
Summary PENALTY - Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s breach of record of settlement (‘ROS’) - COSTS - Applicant sought contribution towards costs
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;PENALTY: Applicant failed to nominate bank account before payment by respondent was due. Respondent failed to explain reason for non-payment and engaged applicant in guessing game when respondent alleged non-specific breach. Payment 41 days after bank account nominated not reasonable delay. Respondent breached ROS. Breach lower end of severe. Penalty amount reduced for proportionality. $3,000 penalty appropriate.;COSTS: Applicant sought $5,085 contribution towards costs. One and a half hour investigation meeting. Appropriate to award costs for preparation of investigation meeting. Respondent to pay applicant $4,197 contribution towards costs.
Result Application granted ; Penalty ($1,000)(payable to applicant)($2,000)(payable to crown) ; Costs in favour of applicant ($4,197.50) ; Disbursements in favour of applicant ($71.56)(filing fee)
Main Category Penalty
Statutes ERA s13 ; ERA s136 ; ERA s136(2) ; ERA s149 ; ERA s149(1) ; ERA s149(3) ; ERA s149(4) ; ERA Second Schedule cl15
Cases Cited Borsboom v Preet PVT Ltd [2016] NZEmpC 143, (2016) 10 NZELC 79-072;PBO Ltd (formerly Rush Security Ltd) v Da Cruz [2005] ERNZ 808 (EmpC);Tan v Yang [2014] NZEmpC 65, [2014] ERNZ 733
Number of Pages 16
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_79.pdf [pdf 70 KB]