Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 120/09
Hearing date 23 Jul 2009
Determination date 31 July 2009
Member J Crichton
Representation F Donaldson ; J & R Nichol
Location Christchurch
Parties Donaldson v Adventure Travel Specialists
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed following altercation with respondent – Respondent argued applicant resigned and declined opportunities to withdraw resignation – Meeting held to discuss employment agreement (“EA”) - Altercation occurred between parties over whether EA allowed respondent to escape obligation to pay employees in certain circumstances – Respondent claimed clause did not affect respondent’s obligation to pay employees and issue explained to applicant before employment commenced – Respondent discussed performance issues without giving applicant prior warning – Applicant became intemperate, advised respondent “why don’t we forget all about it” and then confirmed statement meant resignation – Respondent advised applicant to think about decision but applicant re-confirmed resignation – Applicant subsequently emailed respondent threatening personal grievance – Applicant returned to workplace and respondent asked whether applicant wanted to resign – Applicant threw uniform at respondent – Respondent accepted applicant’s resignation in writing – Authority preferred respondent’s evidence on meeting – Found applicant did not use “I quit” or “I resign”, however, conveyed intention to resign through actions and subsequent email – Found applicant given opportunities to withdraw resignation – Found respondent’s failure to give notice remedied by applicant’s own insistence performance matters be discussed - No dismissal – COUNTERCLAIM – Authority found counterclaim without substance – COSTS – Costs to lie where they fall - Bus Driver
Result Application dismissed ; Counterclaim (dismissed) ; Costs to lie where they fall
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 8
PDF File Link: ca 120_09.pdf [pdf 27 KB]