Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 62/09
Hearing date 8 May 2009
Determination date 11 May 2009
Member H Doyle
Representation S Graham ; P Shaw
Location Christchurch
Parties Coleman v Rick Armstrong Motors Peugeot Ltd
Summary INTERIM INJUNCTION – Application for interim reinstatement – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed following misconduct investigation – Respondent claimed dismissal justified due to applicant’s admission – Disciplinary meeting held to discuss allegation applicant issued Warrant of Fitness (“WOF”) on personal vehicle at home – Applicant admitted to undertaking WOF inspection at home but disputed issuing WOF – Applicant received dismissal letter same day – Applicant claimed arguable case existed under three heads – First whether applicant advised prior to meeting dismissal a possible outcome – Second whether applicant admitted to allegations in dismissal letter – Third when WOF was issued – Authority found arguable case under all heads – Respondent claimed lack of trust and confidence in applicant – Claimed applicant put respondent at risk of breaching industry standards – Authority noted lack of evidence applicant submitted in regards to balance of convenience – Found relative hardship greater for applicant – Found applicant had requested immediate reinstatement – Applicant currently unemployed - Date of substantive hearing far away – Damages inadequate remedy – Substantive investigation needed to determine whether applicant falsely passed vehicle for WOF - Found overall justice in applicant’s favour – Found reinstatement primary remedy and respondent’s concerns remedied by conditional reinstatement – Reinstatement granted on condition applicant adhere strictly to respondent policy and procedure – Vehicle Inspector
Result Application granted ; Costs reserved ; Reinstatement granted (on condition)
Main Category Injunction
Statutes ERA s127
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: ca 62_09.pdf [pdf 25 KB]