Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No WA 68/07
Hearing date 28 Mar 2007
Determination date 01 May 2007
Member G J Wood
Representation D Perreaux ; E Monteith (in person)
Location Napier
Parties Hakansson v Esther Monteith t/a Centre Cafe
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Whether dismissed or resigned - Applicant irritated with co-worker and left work 10 minutes early saying Going a little early - I'm out of here - See ya" - Respondent alleged intended to quit as took books - Later rang applicant who denied quitting - Respondent insisted employment over - Applicant subsequently went to work as usual - Barred from entering premises and believed dismissed - Respondent right to follow up as applicant's words and actions ambiguous - However, became clear had not intended to resign - Dismissed as respondent insisted had resigned and refused to allow re-entry to premises - Dismissal unjustified - Remedies - Limits applicant placed on doing temporary work taken into account when awarding lost wages - Given applicant had not taken breaks that day, leaving a bit early not blameworthy compared with respondent's response - Penalty not appropriate - ARREARS OF HOLIDAY PAY - Despite undertaking from respondent holiday pay not paid - Arrears due and owing - Cook"
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($10,920) ; Arrears of holiday pay ($886.28) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($8,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Boobyer v Good Health Wanganui unreported, Goddard CJ, 24 February 1994, WEC 3/94
Number of Pages 5
PDF File Link: wa 68_07.pdf [pdf 24 KB]