| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | [2017] NZERA Christchurch 161 |
| Hearing date | 22-Jun-17 |
| Determination date | 26 September 2017 |
| Member | H Doyle |
| Representation | P Cahill ; P Shaw |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Parties | Chapman-Labecka v Vetlife Ltd |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Veterinarian |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Genuine redundancy situation. Respondent provided adequate consultation over disestablishment of applicant’s position and opportunity to respond. Respondent breached duty of good faith where applicant not informed of new selection criteria for remaining position. Respondent provided unspecified offers of support. A fair and reasonable employer expected to provide advice of specific support. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $13,071 reimbursement of lost wages. $10,000 compensation appropriate. |
| Result | Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($13,071) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($10,000) ; Costs reserved |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s4;ERA s4(1A)(c);ERA s103A |
| Cases Cited | Angus v Ports of Auckland Ltd [2011] NZEmpC 160;Grace Team Accounting Ltd v Brake [2014] NZCA 541;Jinkinson v Oceania Gold (NZ) Ltd (No 2) [2010] NZEmpC 102;Stevens v Hapag-Lloyd (NZ) Ltd [2015] ERNZ 224 (EmpC) |
| Number of Pages | 24 |
| PDF File Link: | 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_161.pdf [pdf 199 KB] |