Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No WA 20/07
Hearing date 8 Dec 2006
Determination date 02 February 2007
Member P R Stapp
Representation G O'Sullivan ; G Malone
Location Palmerston North
Parties Schuster v AFFCO New Zealand Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Redundancy - Applicant informed position disestablished and offered alternative role - Involved change to seasonal work - Applicant pressured for response even when sought more information and time to consult lawyer - Later advised new role no longer available and made redundant - No consultation - No reason for urgency given to matter by respondent - Rationale for restructuring not established to justify redundancy - Lack of disclosure and clarity in relation to alternative role misleading and not actions of fair and reasonable employer - Dismissal unjustified - Remedies - Serious case for reinstatement - However, reinstatement to previous position not practicable as possible respondent would work through process again - Could not be reinstated to alterative role as position uncertain and incomplete - Mitigation of lost wages barely adequate - Supervisor
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($10,475.30)(13 weeks) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($12,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4(1A)
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: wa 20_07.pdf [pdf 30 KB]