Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2018] NZERA Auckland 58
Hearing date 31-Jan-18 – 1-Feb-18 (2 days)
Determination date 22 February 2018
Member J Trotman
Representation A Neems ; K Kelly-Mather
Location Auckland
Parties MacPherson v Rotorua Hockey Association
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Facilitator
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant raised genuine concerns with respondent. Respondent failed to investigate or take any steps to intervene and address concerns. Respondent breached implied obligations of trust and confidence and duty of good faith. It was reasonably foreseeable that respondent would resign. Applicant constructive dismissed. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant reimbursement of lost wages, quantum to be determined. $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 Employment Contracts Act 1991 s34 ; ERA s4(1A)(a) ; ERA s4(1A)(b) ; ERA s103A ; ERA s103A(3)(a)–(d) ; ERA s124 ; ERA s128(3) ; ERA s 160(3) ; ERA s174E
Cases Cited Air New Zealand Ltd v MacIntosh [2002] 1 ERNZ 1 (CA) Auckland Electric Power Board v Auckland Provincial District Local Authorities Officers Industrial Union Of Workers (Inc) [1994] 2 NZLR 415 (CA) Auckland Shop Employees IUOW v Woolworths (NZ) Ltd [1985] 2 NZLR 372 (CA) Banks v Hockey Manawatu Inc [2016] NZEmpC 23, (2016) 14 NZELR 56 Clear v Waikato District Health Board [2008] ERNZ 646, (2008) 6 NZELR 163 Fagotti v Acme & Co Ltd [2015] NZEmpC 135, [2015] ERNZ 919 Hamon v Coromandel Independent Living Trust [2014] NZEmpC 54, (2014) 11 NZELR 624 New Zealand Van Lines Ltd v Gray [1999] 2 NZLR 397 (CA) PBO Ltd (formerly Rush Security Ltd) v Da Cruz [2005] ERNZ 808 (EmpC) Rodkiss v Carter Holt Harvey Ltd [2015] NZEmpC 34
Number of Pages 30
PDF File Link: 2018_NZERA_Auckland_58.pdf [pdf 441 KB]