Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 201/09
Hearing date 27 Oct 2009
Determination date 20 November 2009
Member H Doyle
Representation P Pati ; A Rooney
Location Christchurch
Parties Aldwin v Duncan Plumbing & Drainage Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Abandonment – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed when told to leave workplace by respondent’s owner (“D”) – Respondent aware applicant had pre-existing medical issue with elbows and forearms – Applicant employed by respondent previously on two separate occasions – Authority found with previous employment no formalities when employment ended in terms of formal written resignations – Authority accepted respondent’s evidence applicant somewhat reluctant to ask for help – Found reasonable for respondent to consider applicant managing condition in absence of any issues being raised to the contrary – Found could not conclude applicant pressured to drive truck causing injury – However, clear applicant unhappy during shift because of pains to arms – Altercation occurred between applicant and manager, and applicant left workplace – Applicant obtained medical certificate but did not provide certificate to respondent as considered had been dismissed – Respondent’s evidence preferred – Authority found no sending away of applicant – Found respondent had no reason to expect angry outburst from applicant – Found on balance of probabilities respondent did not use words or gestures to indicate applicant dismissed – Found no unjustified dismissal – Driver
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: ca 201_09.pdf [pdf 28 KB]