Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 11/10
Hearing date 30 Jun 2009 - 1 May 2009 (2 days)
Determination date 18 January 2010
Member A Dumbleton
Representation M Ryan ; R Webster
Location Auckland
Parties Spemann v Hirequip Ltd
Summary UNJSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Applicant claimed unjustifiably suspended and dismissed by respondent – Applicant’s supervisor (“S”) complained to manager applicant had refused request to complete work and swore at S – Applicant confirmed had sworn at S and refused request to shift vehicle off trailer – Respondent suspended applicant until formal investigation conducted – Applicant made no comment about suspension – Respondent found applicant had refused to carry out instructions of supervisor and became aggressive and abusive – Respondent found applicant also failed to comply with S’s instruction to pack up tools and go home – Applicant dismissed – Authority found respondent based decision to dismiss applicant substantially on incident with S and not on because of earlier problems – Found applicant dismissed because of deliberate disobedience and insubordination to lawful and reasonable request by S – Found respondent considered applicant employed for long period so knew not to blatantly disobey supervisor over simple request – Found respondent’s actions regarding suspension and dismissal those of fair and reasonable employer – Found dismissal justified – Authority noted if found suspension or dismissal unjustified then contribution likely to have been 60 percent or more – Field Service Mechanic
Result Applications dismissed (Dismissal)(Disadvantage) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: aa 11_10.pdf [pdf 35 KB]