Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 84/08
Hearing date 20 Jun 2008
Determination date 23 June 2008
Member P Cheyne
Representation P Brown ; C Twigley
Location Christchurch
Parties Taigel v Broadway General Carriers Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Poor performance - Nature of employment - Respondent claimed applicant worked on trial basis and did not become permanent employee - Dismissed when failed to improve performance - Applicant initially employed for trial period but continued in employment upon expiry of probationary period - Not a probationary employee at time of dismissal - Applicant dismissed after damaged truck - Clear dismissal predetermined with no opportunity for applicant to comment - Applicant not given formal warnings during employment and incident with truck not serious misconduct - Dismissal unjustified - Remedies - Applicant failed to mitigate loss by looking for new employment - Contributory conduct 10 percent - PENALTY - Initially no written employment agreement - However, respondent insolvent and unlikely to employ anyone before being wound up - Penalty not appropriate - Claim for arrears failed as applicant not entitled to sick pay - COSTS - Authority proposed awarding $500 costs to applicant - If neither party objected in given timeframe it would become order for costs
Result Application granted ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($5,000 reduced to $4,500) ; Proposed costs in favour of applicant ($500)
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: ca 84_08.pdf [pdf 24 KB]