Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2011] NZERA Auckland 170
Hearing date 10 Nov 2010
Determination date 28 April 2011
Member J Wilson
Representation G Froggatt ; J Douglas
Location Auckland
Parties Slater v Transportation Auckland Corporation Ltd t/a NZ Bus
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Poor Performance – Applicant dismissed after 22 month history of performance issues – Respondent’s evidence of applicant’s performance included 10 collisions, lateness, failure to stop for passengers and acceptance of fares without issuing tickets – Applicant disputed details and interpretation of incidents but accepted incidents occurred – Applicant claimed one collision not properly investigated by respondent – Respondent clamed fully and fairly investigated incident and investigation review would not have prevented dismissal – Authority found competent driver would have avoided collision and respondent’s assessment involved union delegate – Found respondent could no longer be confident applicant competent driver – Found respondent acted in way a reasonable employer would have acted in all the circumstances – Dismissal justified - UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Applicant claimed disadvantaged by final warning for lateness followed by dismissal for minor accident – Respondent claimed entitled to dismiss as respondent did not have confidence in applicant’s ability to drive safely – Authority found applicant must have known employment in jeopardy and likely would have been dismissed regardless of final lateness warning – Found applicant involved in number of accidents and failed to accept performance not of minimum standard – No unjustified disadvantage - Bus Operator
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A
Number of Pages 8
PDF File Link: 2011_NZERA_Auckland_170.pdf [pdf 24 KB]