Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 77/06
Hearing date 23 May 2006
Determination date 25 May 2006
Member P Cheyne
Representation J Marquet ; G Murphie
Location Christchurch
Parties Cochrane v Nicky's Superfresh and Discount Cigarette Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive dismissal – Principal of respondent unhappy when applicant and another employee declined to work additional hours to facilitate principal’s holiday – Alleged verbally abused applicant next day when other employee failed to turn up for work - Advised applicant of intention to pay wages two days later than usual – Respondent’s tone and manner uncivil and ill mannered rather than abusive - Inconsiderate but not breach of duty – Payment details not specifically covered in employment agreement – However unilateral change to long standing arrangement to pay applicant on certain day of week was beach of duty – Not reasonably foreseeable that breach would cause resignation – No constructive dismissal - OTHER MONIES – Counterclaim by respondent for payment in lieu of notice – Employment agreement required two weeks notice of termination of employment – Applicant breached requirement – No evidence of loss arising from breach – Counterclaim dismissed – Length of service one year – Shop worker
Result Application dismissed ; Counterclaim dismissed ; Costs reserved
Cases Cited Auckland Electric Power Board v Auckland Provincial District Local Authorities IUOW Inc [1994] 1 ERNZ 168 ; [1994] 2 NZLR 415
Number of Pages 4
PDF File Link: ca 77_06.pdf [pdf 22 KB]