Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 137/07
Hearing date 28 Feb 2007
Determination date 03 May 2007
Member M Urlich
Representation M benvie ; G Norton
Location Auckland
Parties Gillespie v Fox & Gunn Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Constructive dismissal - Applicant provided witness statement against another employee (M") for internal disciplinary investigation - Applicant agreed to make statement on condition name not disclosed to M - Assured statement would be held in confidence - Respondent on notice applicant felt threatened by M - Respondent’s investigation found M made threatening comments to another employee – Disclosed applicant’s name to M because thought withholding it procedurally improper - M confronted applicant after disciplinary meeting and she subsequently resigned - Resignation result of respondent’s disclosure of applicant’s identity - Resignation foreseeable - Applicant not told name would be disclosed or given opportunity to withdraw statement - Procedural pitfalls relating to M’s disciplinary process could have been overcome if respondent obtained from applicant reason why scared of M - Respondent could then have justifiable basis to withhold applicant’s name - Constructive dismissal - Length of service 14 months"
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages (One week) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($6,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 9
PDF File Link: aa 137_07.pdf [pdf 43 KB]