Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 112/04
Hearing date 8 Jun 2004
Determination date 09 September 2004
Member P Montgomery
Representation M-J Thomas ; C Smith
Location Christchurch
Parties Conroy v Hillis Shearing Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Oral employment agreement – Respondent not informed by co-worker that applicant sick – Respondent docked $50 from applicant’s wages according to rural custom to buy beer for workers who covered his tasks – Applicant spoke angrily on telephone to respondent about missing $50 and lack of work offered – Respondent’s van broken into with shearing gear stolen – Gave applicant’s name to police as disgruntled employee – Search warrant executed at applicant’s home led to another angry telephone conversation – Respondent followed police advice to take out trespass order against applicant – Trespass order prevented applicant from working – Dismissal unjustified – Remedies – Respondent’s revelation that applicant had been served with trespass order spread around small community – Rejection of offer of reinstatement taken into account – Contributory conduct on telephone which gave rise to respondent’s safety concerns – Presser/learner shearer
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages (Quantum to be determined by parties)(13 weeks less 15%) ; Compensation for humiliation, etc ($4,500) ; Costs reserved
Number of Pages 5
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