Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 34/08
Hearing date 5 Feb 2008
Determination date 07 February 2008
Member L Robinson
Representation D Cowan ; P Tremewan
Location Auckland
Parties Stott v Redvale Canine Centre Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Serious misconduct - Summary dismissal - Applicant falsely reported dog scheduled for vet check as euthanased - Respondent alleged informed of allegation by another employee (“W”) - Respondent called disciplinary meeting with applicant to discuss allegation of theft of dog - Also alleged theft of dog food - Applicant initially denied then admitted allegations and asked for forgiveness - Respondent considered previous record of misconduct and warnings - Applicant dismissed after meeting - Respondent’s evidence preferred - Respondent justified in concluding applicant failed to follow procedures and deliberately falsified records - However, respondent had insufficient evidence of applicant misappropriating company property to justify summary dismissal - Respondent’s notes taken at interview with W did not disclose evidence of theft - Allegation of loss of trust and confidence must be objectively sustainable - Authority found surrounding performance issues peripheral - Summary dismissal unjustified - Applicant’s arguments founded on residential tenancy agreement not founded on employment relationship therefore not within Authority’s exclusive jurisdiction - Remedies - Applicant’s actions wholly causative of situation - 100 percent contributory conduct - No remedies appropriate - Kennel Manager
Result Application granted ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s124;Residential Tenancies Act 1986
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: aa 34_08.pdf [pdf 29 KB]