Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 182/10
Hearing date 21 May 2010
Determination date 16 September 2010
Member J Crichton
Representation J Sanders ; S Grey
Location Christchurch
Parties Cook v Bradiana Enterprises Ltd
Summary PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Identity of employer – Authority found not unreasonable to conclude notice to director of respondent constituted defacto communication with respondent – Applicant claimed doctrine of the undisclosed principle applied – Authority found respondent’s director not party in proceeding – Found matter could properly proceed with company clearly identified as respondent – UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Applicant kicked co-worker at workplace – Respondent argued applicant taken off duty roster as had to investigate allegations – Applicant’s mother told respondent applicant finished with work – Subsequently before respondent had opportunity to complete investigation received letter from applicant’s advocate alleging applicant unjustifiably dismissed – Authority satisfied no dismissal – Applicant claimed cancellation of shift and subsequent cancellation of later shifts constituted improper suspension effectively bringing employment relationship to end – Found satisfied what applicant’s mother said to respondent sufficient to convince respondent applicant had ended employment relationship – Respondent took advocate’s letter as further confirmation employment relationship at an end – Found no further attempt by respondent to complete investigation due to director’s illness – Authority concluded employment relationship came to end not via agency of employer but as consequence of action of applicant through mother – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Applicant claimed as no employment agreement then no provision allowing for suspension – Authority found law provided for suspension in certain circumstances even though no provision in employment agreement – Co-workers evidence preferred – Found suspension not unjustified – ARREARS OF WAGES AND HOLIDAY PAY – Found applicant permanent employee and not casual – Found applicant entitled to recover unpaid sick leave and holiday leave – Shop assistant
Result Applications dismissed (Dismissal)(Disadvantage) ; Arrears of wages and holiday pay (Quantum to be determined) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes Holidays Act 2003 s28;Holidays Act 2003 s28(4);Holidays Act 2003 s63
Cases Cited Jinkinson v Oceania Gold (NZ) Ltd [2009] ERNZ 225
Number of Pages 9
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