Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No WA 166/07
Hearing date 20 Nov 2007
Determination date 12 December 2007
Member G J Wood
Representation M Esera ; C Clark
Location Wellington
Parties Taurarii v Tyco New Zealand Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Misconduct - Applicant assaulted member of public outside informal work function at local tavern - Staff advised to behave well as in uniform and representing company - Police facts stated applicant intoxicated and acted in disorderly manner throughout night - Arrested after knocked out guest who asked him to calm down - Manager aware of incident and began investigation - Applicant admitted events but otherwise uncommunicative - Disciplinary process begun and applicant dismissed - Behaviour at informal work functions could be dealt with by employer under disciplinary procedures depending on circumstances - Assault connected to employment, even though applicant not immediately identifiable as employee of respondent - Dismissal justified - Sprinkler fitter
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Auckland Local Authority Officers IUW v Northcote Borough Council [1989] 2 NZILR 67;Auckland Rest Care Trust v Woods unreported, Travis J, 29 September 1998, AC75/98;Craigie v Air New Zealand Ltd [2006] 1 ERNZ 147;FINSEC v AMP [1992] 1 ERNZ 280;Murphy & Routhan v van Beek unreported, Goddard CJ, 3 June;1998, WC33/98
Number of Pages 8
PDF File Link: wa 166_07.pdf [pdf 34 KB]