Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No [2011] NZERA Wellington 114
Hearing date 8 Mar 2011
Determination date 20 June 2011
Member P R Stapp
Representation P Cheng, L Gilmor ; T Cleary
Location Wellington
Parties Diakaki v Greek Orthodox Community of Wellington Inc
Summary ARREARS OF WAGES - Applicant claimed underpaid for hours worked and not paid fortnightly in accordance with employment agreement – Authority found applicant signed employment agreement for 20 hours per week – Applicant’s work visa granted by New Zealand Immigration Service on condition employment met full time requirements – Respondent denied undertook to increase applicant’s hours to 36 hours per week - Authority found respondent’s President (“B”) acted personally, not as President, in dealings with applicant before work offer made – Found B had no authority to offer applicant work before vacancy occurred and informal arrangements between parties of 36 hours’ work per week not likely to have existed - Found applicant not paid for sick leave correctly but parties had not examined wage records before investigation meeting – Authority confirmed applicant entitled to $205 sick leave - Respondent claimed applicant paid correctly until hours reduced by agreement and agreed to monthly pay as never complained – Authority found applicant did not complain when paid monthly and penalty claim out of time - ARREARS OF HOLIDAY PAY – Found arrears of holiday pay but parties had not examined wage records before investigation meeting – Authority confirmed respondent owed $247 holiday pay - Arrears of holiday pay claim reserved - RECOVERY OF MONIES - Applicant claimed separate reimbursement for expenses and translations unpaid – No supporting evidence provided - Authority found no agreement applicant would be paid separately for expenses – Applicant’s employment agreement provided for separate translation payments if these related to respondent – Authority found matter not raised with respondent until statement of problem lodged - Found translations were voluntary for B personally – GOOD FAITH – Applicant claimed misled and deceived by respondent about hours of work - Authority found no evidence of misleading or deceptive conduct by respondent – Found penalty claim out of time – Found respondent did not breach good faith obligations - Teacher
Result Applications dismissed (recovery of monies) (good faith) (arrears of wages) ; Arrears of holiday pay reserved ; Costs reserved
Main Category Arrears
Statutes ERA s135(5)
Number of Pages 10
PDF File Link: 2011_NZERA_Wellington_114.pdf [pdf 29 KB]