Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 288/06
Hearing date 4 Aug 2006
Determination date 12 September 2006
Member J Wilson
Representation K Nicolson ; G Pollak
Location Auckland
Parties Burch v Sensation New Zealand Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Misconduct - Co-worker complained about applicant’s offensive language and behaviour - Applicant suspended after initial investigation - Dismissed after further investigation - Applicant on final warning for abusive and aggressive behaviour - Applicant claimed warning harsh and had intended to challenge it - Alleged dismissal predetermined and procedurally unfair - Applicant clearly advised behaviour inappropriate and could lead to dismissal - Intention to challenge warning did not detract from its very clear message - Applicant appeared to decide, despite warnings, management style appropriate and ignored explicit and repeated instructions - Allegation of predetermination unable to be substantiated - Any deficiencies in investigation process not of such magnitude to render dismissal unjustified - Fair and reasonable employer would have dismissed - Dismissal justified - Length of service three years nine months - Production coordinator
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Statutes ERA s103A
Cases Cited Air New Zealand Ltd v Hudson (2006) 7 NZELC 98,260
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: aa 288_06.pdf [pdf 33 KB]