Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2017] NZERA Auckland 370
Hearing date 21 Aug 2017 - 22 Aug 2017 (2 days)
Determination date 30 November 2017
Member T Tetitaha
Representation J Rushton ; D France, J MacGibbon
Location Hamilton
Parties Messick v The Vice Chancellor of The University of Waikato
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – University Professional Supervisor
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant did not resign. Respondent dismissed applicant. No constructive dismissal. Applicant’s email over concerns of taking on more sessions did not warrant dismissal. Fair and reasonable employer would not have accepted applicants email as a resignation without notice. Ill health of applicant mitigated losses. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant three months’ salary less PAYE. $20,000 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages (quantum to be determined) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($20,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s123(b);ERA s124;ERA s128;ERA s160(3)
Cases Cited Carter Holt Harvey Ltd v Yukich [2005] ERNZ 300 (CA);Gilbert v Attorney-General [2000] 1 ERNZ 332 (EmpC);Lewis v Howick College Board of Trustees [2010] NZEmpC 4;Messick v The Vice Chancellor of the University of Waikato [2017] NZERA Auckland 6;Stormont v Peddle Thorp Aitken Ltd [2017] NZEmpC 71
Number of Pages 12
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Auckland_370.pdf [pdf 123 KB]