Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2017] NZERA Christchurch 205
Hearing date 28-Sep-17
Determination date 28 November 2017
Member H Doyle
Representation D Beck ; B Scotland
Location Christchurch
Parties Thom v Fletcher Building Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent withdrawing extension to fixed term agreement (“The Agreement”) – PENALTY – Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s breach of good faith duty – Commercial Business Analyst
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: Employment relationship ended in accordance with The Agreement. Applicant’s conditions of employment were affected to his disadvantage. Applicant did not have opportunity to sign a variation to extend The Agreement. Respondent did not act as a fair and reasonable employer could have done in all the circumstances. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: 20 per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay $12,923 reimbursement of lost wages. $3,200 compensation appropriate. PENALTY: Variation to extend Agreement of limited nature. Not satisfied there was a breach of good faith to warrant imposition of penalty. No penalty.
Result Application granted (unjustified disadvantage) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($12,923.10) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,200) ; Application dismissed (unjustified dismissal) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s3;ERA s4;ERA s4(1);ERA s4(1A);ERA s4A(b)(iii);ERA s63A;ERA s63A(2)(d);ERA s63A(3);ERA s66;ERA s103A;ERA s103(1)(b);ERA s128
Cases Cited ANZ National Bank v Doidge [2005] ERNZ 518 (EmpC);Jinkinson v Oceana Gold (NZ) Ltd (No 2)[2010] NZEmpC 102;Spotless Facility Services NZ Ltd v Mackay (No 2) [2017] NZEmpC 15;Tranz Rail Ltd v Rail and Maritime Transport Union (Inc) [1999] 1 ERNZ 460 (CA);Wellington Clerical Union v Greenwich [1983] ACJ 965 (AC)
Number of Pages 21
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_205.pdf [pdf 163 KB]