Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 315/09
Hearing date 26 Aug 2009
Determination date 04 September 2009
Member M Urlich
Representation D France ; R Kroon
Location Auckland
Parties Jackson v Oceania Group (NZ) Ltd
Summary INJUNCTION - Application for interim reinstatement - Applicant dismissed following investigation into serious misconduct allegations - Applicant claimed dismissal procedurally and substantively unjustified - Claimed allegations not fairly put to applicant, investigation deficient, outcome predetermined and no fair opportunity to respond provided - Respondent claimed disciplinary process was fair and reasonable - Claimed allegations were very serious - Found only minimal lack of justification for dismissal required to establish arguable case - Found were serious and arguable issues to be investigate - Found applicant had arguable case - Applicant claimed balance of convenience in their favour - Claimed damages not alternative remedy to reputational damage caused by dismissal - Claimed dismissal had serious financial implications - Claimed applicant’s age and current economic circumstances made finding new employment unlikely - Respondent claimed lost wages and compensation awards would be adequate remedy and as worksite small reputational damage limited - Found balance of convenience favoured applicant - Respondent had concerns as to how applicant to be reintegrated into workplace - Found concerns could be addressed by placing applicant on garden leave – Found overall justice favoured applicant - Reinstatement ordered on conditions - Respondent to elect whether applicant attended work or placed on garden leave - Senior healthcare assistant
Result Application granted ; Reinstatement ordered on conditions ; Costs reserved
Main Category Injunction
Statutes ERA s127(4)
Cases Cited American Cyanamid Co v Ethicon Limited [1975] 1 All ER 504;Ford v Hutt Valley Health Corporation Ltd [1994] 1 ERNZ 563;X v Y & NZ Stock Exchange [1992] 1 ERNZ 863
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: aa 315_09.pdf [pdf 32 KB]