Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 96/07
Hearing date 28 Mar 2007
Determination date 29 March 2007
Member R Arthur
Representation F Sabbineni ; no appearance
Location Auckland
Parties Barnett v McLoud t/a European Wholesale Cars
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Summary dismissal – No appearance for respondent – No written employment agreement - More likely than not applicant’s evidence described employment and dismissal - On two occasions not paid wages or short paid, causing bank dishonour fees - Raised issue and respondent said would take care of it" - Applicant moved cars in yard without checking with respondent first - Sworn at and told to get off property when queried cheque payment - Respondent later alleged applicant casual employee and could not have been dismissed - Applicant employed to work on full time on-going basis – Unlikely to have left previous job for uncertainty of casual work - Sent away in manner unequivocally a dismissal - Applicant’s behaviour may have raised legitimate concern or issue for respondent - Fair and reasonable employer would have stated concerns and asked for explanation before deciding on disciplinary action - Appeared to be no issues of poor performance or misconduct - Dismissal unjustified - Identity of employer - Authority satisfied respondent applicant's employer - Must bear personal obligation of remedies - Respondent breached obligation to provide employment agreement - COSTS - One hour investigation meeting - Appropriate to award costs of $500 plus filing fee - Length of service over two months - Car groomer"
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($2,240) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($4,000) ; Costs in favour of applicant ($500) ; Disbursements ($70)(Filing fee)
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s65;ERA s103A
Number of Pages 4
PDF File Link: aa 96_07.pdf [pdf 29 KB]