Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 147/10
Hearing date 18 Jun 2010
Determination date 16 July 2010
Member R A Monaghan
Representation J Beck ; J Guthrie
Location Christchurch
Parties Halsey v Computer Mate Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed and unjustifiably disadvantaged by applicant’s bullying actions – Respondent denied applicant bullied – Argued dismissal justified for failure to follow reasonable instruction and abusive behaviour towards respondent – Authority found nothing in hours applicant required to work supported bullying claim – Found respondent ceasing overtime did not amount to bullying – Found any failure to reimburse fuel costs did not amount to bullying – Found vehicle access issue not bullying behaviour – Applicant acknowledged struggled with temper – Applicant claimed respondent’s approaches deliberate attempts to play on acknowledged weakness – Authority found respondent’s approaches for technical information not intended as taunts and not bullying – Found sending applicant home to cool down not unlawful suspension – Found improper verbal warning not bullying behaviour – Found no unjustified disadvantage – Applicant summarily dismissed – Found applicant ignored reasonable instruction to move vehicle and used inappropriate language in threatening way – Found respondent’s manner in dealing with applicant less than ideal but human – Authority considered respondent a small business with few staff – Found in all circumstances decision not to tolerate applicant’s conduct one fair and reasonable employer would have made – Dismissal justified – Computer Systems Technician
Result Applications dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: ca 147_10.pdf [pdf 35 KB]