Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 372/09
Hearing date 19 Oct 2009
Determination date 27 October 2009
Member A Dumbleton
Representation R George (in person) ; P Clarke
Location Auckland
Parties George v Computer Transport Services (NZ) Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Redundancy – Applicant claimed redundancy unjustified – Respondent argued redundancy genuine and followed proper procedures – Applicant received four weeks notice for redundancy consistent with employment agreement – Applicant discovered advertisement for new operations manager position two weeks prior to redundancy notice – Applicant claimed advertisement showed respondent predetermined dismissal – Respondent argued advertisement in response to resignation of employee and to assess availability of suitable people if new position created as result of restructure - Respondent’s decision to terminate applicant’s position based on low revenue, need to reduce employees, disestablishment of operations manager position and creation of new organisational structure – Applicant received written warning for poor performance – Applicant claimed warning issued to undermine applicant – Applicant unsuccessfully applied for new operations manager role and declined offer to continue work for further three weeks after notice period ended – Authority found redundancy genuine – Found respondent followed proper procedures by consulting applicant, advising applicant to apply for alternative role and gave notice – Found written warning related to applicant’s poor handling of client’s business therefore not issued to undermine applicant – Found advertisement for new operations manager not evidence of predetermination – Found new position materially different from applicant’s former role as reflected in more senior duties and different remuneration – Dismissal justified – Operations Manager
Result Application dismissed ; No order for costs
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A
Number of Pages 4
PDF File Link: aa 372_09.pdf [pdf 20 KB]