Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2017] NZERA Auckland 335
Hearing date 6 Apr 2017 - 7 Apr 2017 (2 days)
Determination date 25 October 2017
Member N Craig
Representation H Burdon ; R Alchin
Location Hamilton
Parties Reid v Leisha Andrews t/a Alterations & Designer Garments
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Constructive Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s actions – ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY – Applicant claimed arrears of wages and holiday pay – Seamstress and Shop Assistant
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: Applicant unjustifiably disadvantaged by unpaid suspension, refusal to allow her return to work without a waiver of a pay claim, and restarting disciplinary process without rescinding earlier warning. Applicant also disadvantaged by reduction in work hours. Applicant’s resignation not caused by respondent’s breaches of duty. No suggestion of a choice between resignation and dismissal. No constructive dismissal. REMEDIES: 10 per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $816 reimbursement of lost wages. $5,400 compensation appropriate. ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY: Respondent to pay applicant $129 arrears of wages and $330 arrears of holiday pay.
Result Applications granted (unjustified disadvantage) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($816.64) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($5,400) ; Arrears of wages ($129.62) ; Arrears of holiday pay ($330) ; Arrears of KiwiSaver ($37.97) ; Application dismissed (unjustified dismissal) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s65(2)(vi);ERA s103(3);ERA s103(5);ERA s114;ERA s148;ERA s174E
Cases Cited Auckland Electric Power Board v Auckland Provincial District Local Authorities Officers IUOW Inc [1994] 1 ERNZ 168 (CA);Auckland Shop Employees IUOW v Woolworths (NZ) Ltd [1985] 2 NZLR 372 (CA);Business Distributors Ltd v Patel [2001] ERNZ 124 (CA);Harris v Warehouse Ltd [2014] NZEmpC 188;Pacifica Fishing (Christchurch) Ltd v Buckingham [1999] 2 ERNZ 621 (EmpC);Xtreme Dining Ltd v Dewar [2016] NZEmpC 136
Number of Pages 37
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Auckland_335.pdf [pdf 371 KB]