Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2017] NZERA Christchurch 180
Hearing date 13 Jul 2017 - 26 Jul 2017 (2 days)
Determination date 26 October 2017
Member H Doyle
Representation B Nevell ; D Rhodes
Location Dunedin
Parties Halliday v Lane Group Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent’s actions in relation to performance concerns – PENALTY – Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s breach of health and safety and failure to act in good faith – Dairy Attendant
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: Process issues absorbed by dismissal grievance. No unjustified disadvantage. Not all reasons for dismissal put to applicant. Respondent’s policy around performance concerns not followed. Procedural and substantive unfairness leading to dismissal. Applicant not given adequate opportunity to respond. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: 33 per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant eight weeks less notice paid and contribution reimbursement of lost wages. $6,000 compensation appropriate. PENALTY: Respondent did not breach health and safety obligations owed to applicant. Process followed by respondent was unfair but did not satisfy intentional breach of good faith. No penalty.
Result Application granted (unjustified dismissal) ; Reimbursement for lost wages (quantum to be determined) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($6,000) ; Applications dismissed (penalty)(unjustified disadvantage) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4;ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3)
Cases Cited Attorney-General v Gilbert [2002] 1 ERNZ 31 (CA)
Number of Pages 28
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_180.pdf [pdf 194 KB]