Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 217/06
Hearing date 23 May 2006
Determination date 26 June 2006
Member L Robinson
Representation M Paewai ; D Pomare, H Heemi
Location Auckland
Parties Ngamata v Te Puna Reo Maori O Nga Maungarongo Inc
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Constructive dismissal - Applicant verbally resigned at hui, as strongly disagreed with how respondent dealt with misconduct of colleague - Applicant attempted to retract resignation - Management committee initially confirmed resignation, but agreed to reinstate if applicant made public declaration of support for respondent - Respondent offered new employment agreement - Applicant became agitated at later hui over same issue, and did not give public declaration of support - Respondent withdrew offer of employment - Authority found no breach of duty to applicant, as was respondent's prerogative how it managed and disciplined employee's misconduct - Applicant's retraction of resignation inconsistent with assertion had no option but to resign - Retraction would be taken to have affirmed respondent's actions - No constructive dismissal - Whether actual dismissal - Authority found condition (of new offer of employment) that applicant publicly declare support was reasonable - Applicant failed to sign new agreement and comply with condition - Did not accept re-employment offer - No dismissal - COUNTERCLAIM - DAMAGES - Respondent sought damages for loss suffered to its reputation and goodwill - Failed to establish loss - Counterclaim dismissed - Length of service not specified - Assistant Supervisor
Result Application dismissed (Unjustified dismissal) ; Application dismissed (Counterclaim) ; Costs reserved
Cases Cited Auckland Electric Power Board v Auckland Local Authorities Offices Union [1994] 1 ERNZ 168
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: aa 217_06.pdf [pdf 90 KB]