Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 111/10
Determination date 06 May 2010
Member J Crichton
Representation D Clark ; G Derrick (Respondent in person)
Location Christchurch
Parties Delany v Derrick (Caithness Farming Co Ltd)
Summary ARREARS OF WAGES – Parties disagreed about finish date of applicant’s employment – Applicant claimed worked one week outside notice period to accommodate request by respondent – Respondent claimed no agreement to work extra week – Authority found applicant worked extra week and entitled to payment – Unpaid wages due and owing – PENALTY – Applicant sought penalty for breach of employment agreement for unreasonable delay in payment of wages and holiday pay – Found no misunderstanding about holiday pay owing – Found delay in paying holiday pay unreasonable - $500 penalty appropriate – $250 interest payable – COUNTERCLAIM – RECOVERY OF MONIES – Respondent claimed owed money by applicant for stains on carpet of farmhouse, missing tools from farm and goods charged to respondent’s account inappropriately – Found Authority not appropriate forum to resolve grievance in relation to farmhouse – Found no evidence to link applicant to missing tools – Applicant accepted error made in respect of account and immediately rectified – Found respondent’s evidence misleading and tried to portray applicant as dishonest – COSTS – Length of investigation meeting not specified – Applicant sought $1,500 contribution to costs – Found costs reasonable in circumstances
Result Applications granted (Arrears of wages) (Penalty) ; Application dismissed (Counterclaim) ; Arrears of wages ($1,538.46) ; Penalty ($500) ; Interest ($250) ; Costs in favour of applicant ($1,500)
Main Category Arrears
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: ca 111_10.pdf [pdf 24 KB]