Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 170/04
Hearing date 10 Mar 2003 - 27 May 2003 (2 days)
Determination date 13 May 2004
Member A Dumbleton
Representation R Harrison ; J Latimer
Location Auckland
Parties Goldstone v Cogent Communications Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Serious misconduct - Alleged applicant had negative leadership style including bullying, victimisation and harassment of branch managers - Earlier meeting where applicant agreed to change approach but no formal warning given - Concerns resurfaced and chief executive officer met with all branch managers as part of investigation - Minutes of meetings given to applicant - Summarily dismissed - Significant discrepancies between minutes and tape recordings of meetings - Statement by branch manager about fears for personal safety said in jest - Applicant not told respondent also had concerns about dishonesty - Dismissal unjustified - Remedies - Applicant contributed to situation by creation of climate of fear and mistrust - Contributory conduct 50 percent - Contribution taken into account by awarding only loss of benefit for 3 months' notice period required under employment agreement - National Sales Manager
Result Application granted ; Loss of benefit ($37,500)(Payment of 3 months' notice) ; Interest (4.5 per cent) ; Costs reserved
Statutes ERA s4(1)
Number of Pages 9
PDF File Link: aa 170_04.pdf [pdf 44 KB]