Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2011] NZERA Christchurch 144
Determination date 26 September 2011
Member J Crichton
Representation K Crimp ; G Malone
Location Christchurch
Parties Crimp v Talley's Group Ltd
Summary ARREARS OF WAGES – Applicant sought unpaid wages and holiday pay – Matter determined on papers - Respondent claimed not entitled to payments as failed to give notice in accordance with employment agreement (“EA”) – Applicant remained on vessel four days after finished sea time before returned home in accordance with EA – Applicant told manager (“S”) was looking for other work and two weeks later sent S text message that would not be returning – Applicant’s EA missing and parties relied on generic agreements – Respondent claimed generic agreements in same terms as applicant’s EA - Applicant sought payment of “work by” for work performed when vessel not at sea – Authority found no entitlement for additional “work by” payment because applicant already paid salary – Applicant sought payment of “trip off” time – Applicant employed on salary basis and rostered for “trip off” time in accordance with EA – When rostered for “trip off” time and no actual work by employee salary payments continued but payment treated as annual holiday leave in advance – Allocation of “trip off” time depended on voyage length and availability of co-workers - Applicant claimed as vessel sailed on same morning confirmed resignation and represented start of “trip off” and therefore entitled to “time off” payment – Found applicant only eligible for payment if notice had expired on vessel’s return to port from that voyage amounting to one trip’s notice in writing – Found applicant’s notice deficient as gave with immediate effect and therefore did not take effect from date voyage ended – Application dismissed - Chief Engineer
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Arrears
Number of Pages 5
PDF File Link: 2011_NZERA_Christchurch_144.pdf [pdf 23 KB]