Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 123/06
Hearing date 16 Jan 2006
Determination date 11 April 2006
Member K J Anderson
Representation D Bruce ; R Managh
Location Auckland
Parties Watt v R. D. Managh Ltd t/a Odin's Marine
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Misconduct – Applicant continually over-revved outboard motors while carrying out pre-delivery inspections – Altered behaviour for short while after training given but then reverted to previous habits - Use of foul language and extreme reluctance or refusal to carry out tasks requested of him – Called to meeting and told respondent was “letting him go” due to failure to undertake duties correctly and attitude problem – Ongoing performance issues existed and were detrimental to business – Applicant not warned of potential consequences of continuing bad behaviour – Failure to observe any necessary procedural requirements – Dismissal unjustified – Remedies – Contributory conduct 50 percent – PENALTY – Penalty sought for failure to provide written employment agreement – No evidence applicant ever requested agreement or raised issue during employment – No penalty appropriate – Length of service three years including initial casual employment – Marine motor technician
Result Application granted (Unjustified dismissal) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($6,480 reduced to $3,240) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($3,000 reduced to $1,500) ; Application dismissed (Penalty) ; Costs reserved
Statutes ERA s123(1)(b);ERA s123(1)(c)(i);ERA s124;ERA s128(2)
Cases Cited NZ (with exceptions) Food Processing etc IUOW v Unilever [1990] 1 NZILR 35
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: aa 123_06.pdf [pdf 33 KB]