Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2011] NZERA Christchurch 16
Hearing date 13 Aug 2010
Determination date 28 January 2011
Member M B Loftus
Representation A Sharma ; P McBride
Location Nelson
Parties Muldoon v Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Summary UNJSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed – Respondent argued applicant could not have been dismissed given casual employee status – Applicant claimed became permanent full time employee during employment – Applicant engaged on an as and when required basis though offered reasonable number of engagements – Applicant accepted offer of casual employment on full time basis for finite period – Applicant subsequently unsuccessful in application for permanent position – Respondent’s perspective that filling of vacancies meant temporary arrangement with applicant at end – Authority found if applicant permanent then removal from roster clearly dismissal – If applicant casual then removal from roster permissible and relationships cessation attributed to applicant’s decision to refuse offers of work – Authority found applicant’s status not changed to permanent full time – Found applicant accepted arrangement with respondent initially temporary and occasioned by co-workers absence – Found applicant accepted upon co-workers return would revert to casual employment – Authority noted real nature of applicant’s complaint that dissatisfied with respondent’s decision not to appoint to permanent vacancy – Found in absence of clear contractual right, non appointment could not found personal grievance – Registered Nurse
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Cases Cited Southern Local Government Officers' Union v Timaru District Council [1991] 2 ERNZ 932;Victoria University of Wellington v Haddon [1996] 1 ERNZ 139 ; [1996] 2 NZLR 409
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: 2011_NZERA_Christchurch_16.pdf [pdf 22 KB]