Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 242/07
Hearing date 25 Jun 2007
Determination date 10 August 2007
Member R Arthur
Representation A Swan ; J Sumner
Location Auckland
Parties Ng v Whitireia Community Polytechnic
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed on expiry of fixed term employment – At end of teaching cycle, respondent told applicant would not teach next cycle – Authority found requirements of s66 Employment Relations Act 2000 met – Real issue whether subsequent actions of respondent amounted to express or implied promises that expiry of fixed term agreement would not be enforced - Applicant claimed understood employment would be renewed – Authority found no suggestion fixed term not genuine – Found respondent made clear from outset that prospect of further work conditional upon student numbers for next cycle – Found sensible business decision respondent entitled to make – Found unlikely respondent gave false impression about future prospects – Applicant relied on own inferences and observations, which did not amount to promise of further work from respondent – No legitimate expectation of on-going employment – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Authority considered whether applicant unjustifiably disadvantaged by being given insufficient information about prospects of further employment – Respondent had good faith requirements to communicate with applicant about effect of enrolment on employment – Found respondent did not suggest that prospects for future work higher, or discourage applicant from seeking new employment – Found respondent did not fail to communicate relevant student enrolment information – Applicant did not approach respondent about prospects for future employment, despite knowing fixed term due to expire – No unjustified disadvantage – ESOL Teacher
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 8
PDF File Link: aa 242_07.pdf [pdf 29 KB]