Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No WA 11/04
Hearing date 27 Jan 2004
Determination date 04 February 2004
Member P R Stapp
Representation M Andrews ; K Nairn
Location Marton
Parties Conder v Central House Movers Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Whether dismissal or abandonment - Serious misconduct - Workplace injury and absences - Contacted employer at last minute regarding absence - Alleged excessive consumption of painkillers at work - Numerous indicia of dismissal - Applicant told not to bother returning to work - Applicant had genuine reasons for absences because of injury - Respondent should have raised concerns regarding painkiller allegations - No investigation made or opportunity to respond given - Dismissal unjustified - Remedies - Applicant failed to provide medical certificate and ACC forms within his possession - One-third reduction for contributory conduct - COSTS - Successful personal grievance - One day investigation meeting - Contribution sought to total costs of $3,000 - Matter relatively straightforward - Parties should have settled matter - Failure by parties to communicate with each other added unnecessarily to costs - Less than usual award appropriate
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($2,650.75 reduced to $1,767.16)(3 months) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($1,500 reduced to $1,000) ; Costs in favour of applicant ($1,000)
Number of Pages 15
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