Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 479/10
Hearing date 16 Jul 2010
Determination date 12 November 2010
Member J Wilson
Representation N Reuben ; P Kiely
Location Paihia
Parties Reuben v Radius Residential Healthcare Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Applicant advised resident complained about applicant’s behaviour – Respondent required explanation in writing but applicant did not respond as informed by another caregiver complaint withdrawn – Applicant did not attempt to contact respondent to enquire what happened – Authority found respondent should have followed up complaint in person – Found respondent’s failure to communicate caused undue stress on applicant – Found oversight unjustified – Found lack of enquiry by applicant must impact on financial remedies – Applicant asked to return to work following bereavement leave while on rostered days off – Applicant declined request – Found request to return to work not unreasonable as short staffed – Found applicant entitled to decline request – Found no disadvantage – Roster changed and hours reduced – Applicant resigned – Respondent provided apology letter for misunderstanding regarding roster changes – Found applicant entitled to proper consultation about rostered hours – Found failure to consult caused unnecessary anxiety and stress – Unjustified disadvantage – Applicant claimed discriminated against because of union membership – Found respondent supportive of union role – Found no discrimination – Applicant claimed redundancy compensation – Found applicant not redundant – REMEDIES – 50 percent contributory conduct – $1,000 compensation appropriate – Caregiver
Result Application granted ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($2,000 reduced to $1,000) ; No order for costs
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4;ERA s124
Number of Pages 10
PDF File Link: aa 479_10.pdf [pdf 34 KB]