| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | [2017] NZERA Christchurch 113 |
| Hearing date | 27-Jun-17 |
| Determination date | 04 July 2017 |
| Member | P van Keulen |
| Representation | LD Ferreira (in person) ; D Tooley |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Parties | Ferreira v Tooley Holdings Ltd |
| Summary | ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY - Respondent sought arrears of wages and holiday pay - Whether respondent unlawfully deducted applicant’s wages - COUNTERCLAIM - BREACH OF CONTRACT - Respondent sought damages for loss caused by applicant’s alleged poor workmanship - Plasterer |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND -;ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY: Respondent did not have right to withhold pay for applicant’s alleged faulty workmanship without consultation. Deduction unlawful. Respondent to pay applicant $25 arrears of wages and $436 arrears of holiday pay. Interest payable. COUNTERCLAIM - BREACH OF CONTRACT: Concerns about chilling effect of counterclaims arising out of negligence in performance of employee tasks. No valid cause of action. Applicant not only employee responsible for damage. Insufficient evidence of loss. No damages. |
| Result | Application granted (Arrears of wages and holiday pay) ; Arrears of wages ($25) ; Arrears of holiday pay ($436.77) ; Interest (5%) ; Application dismissed (Counterclaim - breach of contact) ; No order for costs |
| Main Category | Arrears |
| Statutes | ERA Second Schedule cl11(1) ; Judicature Act 1908 s87(3) ; Holidays Act 2003 s27 ; Wages Protection Act 1983 s5 ; Wages Protection Act 1983 s5(1)(a) ; Wages Protection Act 1983 s5(1A) ; Wages Protection Act 1983 5A |
| Cases Cited | Drake Personnel (New Zealand) Ltd v Taylor [1996] 2 NZLR 644 (CA);Edwards (Labour Inspector) v Topo Gigio Restaurant Ltd EMC Auckland AEC109/95, 16 October 1995;George v Auckland Council [2013] NZEmpC 179, [2013] ERNZ 675;JP Morgan Chase Bank NA v Lewis [2015] NZCA 255, [2015] 3 NZLR 618;Online Contractors Ltd v Wetere [2017] NZERA Auckland 17 |
| Number of Pages | 8 |
| PDF File Link: | 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_113.pdf [pdf 173 KB] |