Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2018] NZERA Auckland 370
Hearing date 13 November 2018
Determination date 26 November 2018
Member Eleanor Robinson
Representation Danny Gelb, Advocate for Applicant Ravneet Brar, Representing the First and Second Respondent
Location Auckland
Parties HORAN v GOLDEN FORK LIMITED and Anor
Other Parties BRAR
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Applicant dismissed for not holding a liquor license – Applicant was not made aware of any alleged shortcomings in his performance or that his employment was in jeopardy prior to dismissal – Respondent could not rely on probationary period – Under employment agreement appointment to Bar Manager position was to be made on obtaining a license within a period of four two six weeks, this period had not expired by time applicant was dismissed or certificate was obtained – No evidence of formal disciplinary procedure with respect to applicant’s employment – No substantive justification for dismissal – Flawed dismissal procedure – Dismissal unjustified – REMEDIES: No contributory conduct – Respondent to pay applicant $1,330 reimbursement of lost wages – $3,000 compensation appropriate ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY – Applicant sought arrears of wages and holiday pay entitlements – No arrears of wages – Respondent to pay applicant $75 arrears of holiday pay PENALTY: Applicant sought penalty for respondent’s failure to pay holiday pay entitlements – Penalty appropriate as respondent breached basic statutory requirement – Public interest in deterring other employers from similar behaviour – Shortfall in payment was inadvertent rather than deliberate –$1,000 penalty appropriate
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 12
PDF File Link: 2018 NZERA Auckland 370 [pdf 280 KB]