| Restrictions | Includes non-publication order |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | [2017] NZERA Christchurch 211 |
| Hearing date | 22-Nov-17 |
| Determination date | 07 December 2017 |
| Member | D Appleton |
| Representation | A Boniface ; R Kearns |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Parties | Dawber v Church Lane NZ Ltd |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Constructive Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Applicant claimed unjustifiably disadvantaged by respondent threatening to unilaterally vary Employment Agreement (“EA”) – Store Manager |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE: Respondent in breach of natural justice and duty of good faith. Respondent did not communicate actively and constructively with applicant to resolve matter. Complaints from other staff members substantially responsible for decision to demote applicant. Applicant given no chance to comment on complaints. Applicant’s resignation reasonably foreseeable. Losses from dismissal also constituted unjustified disadvantage to applicant. Applicant constructively dismissed. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $9,881 reimbursement of lost wages. $10,000 compensation appropriate. |
| Result | Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($9,881.74) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($10,000) ; Costs reserved |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s4;ERA s4(1A)(b);ERA s103A;ERA s124;ERA s128 |
| Cases Cited | Auckland Shop Employees Union v Woolworths (NZ) Ltd [1985] 2 NZLR 372 (CA);Commissioner of Police v Hawkins [2009] NZCA 209;Lewis v Motor World Garages Ltd [1986] ICR 157 (CA);McIvor v Saad [2015] NZEmpC 145;Para Franchising Ltd v Whyte [2002] 2 ERNZ 120 (EmpC);Review Publishing Co Ltd v Walker [1996] 2 ERNZ 407 (EmpC);Stormont v Peddle Thorp Aitken Ltd [2017] NZEmpC 71;Waikato District Health Board v Archibald [2017] NZEmpC 132;Wellington, Taranaki and Malborough Clerical IUOW v Greenwich (t/a Greenwich and Associates Employment Agency and Complete Fitness Centre) (1983) ERNZ Sel Cas 95 (AC);Weston v Advkit Para Legal Services Ltd [2010] NZEmpC 140 |
| Number of Pages | 25 |
| PDF File Link: | 2017_NZERA_Christchurch_211.pdf [pdf 106 KB] |