Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2017] NZERA Christchurch 209
Hearing date 12 Oct 2017 - 22 Nov 2017 (2 days)
Determination date 30 November 2017
Member P van Keulen
Representation P de Wattignar ; J Copeland
Location Queenstown
Parties Vicencio v Grant James Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – COSTS – Applicant sought contribution towards costs – Housekeeper
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Respondent’s evidence was consistent, credible and preferred over applicants. Applicant displayed confirmation bias and held an overly strong view that she had been dismissed. Applicant rejected respondent’s response to her grievance that her job was still available and effectively resigned. Respondent’s failure to immediately correct applicants misunderstanding did not amount to dismissal. Dismissal justified. COSTS: Two day investigation meeting. Authority found appropriate to raise daily tariff. Appropriate to raise because offer of settlement made which applicant could not better and applicant’s conduct. Appropriate to slightly reduce tariff as respondent unsuccessfully applied for security for costs. Applicant to pay respondent $10,000 contribution towards costs.
Result Application dismissed ; Costs in favour of respondent ($10,000)
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes Biddle v R [2015] NZHC 2673;Boobyer v Good Health Wanganui Ltd WEC3/94, 24 February 1994 (EmpC);Fagotti v Acme & Co Ltd [2015] NZEmpC 135;PBO Ltd (formerly Rush Security Ltd) v Da Cruz [2005] 1 ERNZ 808 (EmpC);New Zealand Cards Ltd v Ramsay [2012] NZEmpC 51;R v Biddle [2015] NZDC 8992;Yamilesi Villavicencio v Grant James Ltd [2017] NZERA Christchurch 196
Number of Pages 18
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_209.pdf [pdf 146 KB]