Restrictions Includes non-publication order
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2017] NZERA Christchurch 114
Hearing date 8 Jun 2017 - 9 Jun 2017 (2 days)
Determination date 04 July 2017
Member C Hickey
Representation MJ Thomas ; S Brookes, P Chemis
Location Invercargill
Parties Butterfield v Alliance Group Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by failure to re-engage him – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent did not offer applicant re-engagement in seniority order as was set out in relevant collective agreement. Respondent’s actions breached collective agreement. If applicant had been re-engaged, respondent likely would have suspended him on full pay while investigating alleged misconduct. Applicant unjustifiably disadvantaged. Applicant not employee at time of behaviour in question so decision to re-engage could not have been unjustified dismissal. No jurisdiction to consider claim of unjustified dismissal. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant reimbursement of lost wages, quantum to be determined.
Result Application granted (unjustified disadvantage) ; Reimbursement of lost wages (quantum to be determined) ; Application dismissed (unjustified dismissal) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s124 ; ERA s128 ; ERA Second Schedule cl10
Cases Cited AFFCO New Zealand Ltd v New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trades Union Inc [2016] NZCA 482;Butterfield v Alliance Group Ltd [2016] NZERA Christchurch 24;Butterfield v Alliance Group Ltd [2017] NZERA Christchurch 24
Number of Pages 15
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_114.pdf [pdf 202 KB]