Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No [2011] NZERA Wellington 186
Hearing date 11 Nov 2011
Determination date 22 November 2011
Member P R Stapp
Representation J A Burney ; A Lory (in person)
Location Wellington
Parties Coley v VA Electrical Ltd and Anor
Other Parties Lory
Summary INJUNCTION – Application for interim reinstatement – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Second respondent denied terminating applicant’s employment and claimed applicant walked off job and resigned by not turning up for work following day – Applicant claimed advised second respondent of intention to take day off as upset about abuse at work – Applicant claimed second respondent denied applicant sick leave – First respondent office manager claimed applicant said would not be at work due to job interview – Applicant told to leave premises by respondent employee when turned up for work – Authority found numerous factual matters in dispute – Found serious arguable matters to be resolved at hearing – Found balance of convenience favoured respondents as alternative remedies available to applicant instead of reinstatement – Found applicant could not reasonably believe reinstatement would be guaranteed even if dismissed – Found applicant’s side of story seriously challenged by respondents which strongly affected presumption that applicant would be able to prove case – Found insufficient evidence about applicant’s attempts to mitigate losses – Found reinstatement could be problematic for respondents as small business with few employees and applicant in supervisory role – Found applicant had to take some responsibility for delays in having matter dealt with – Found real issues about practicability of reinstatement – Found overall justice favoured respondents – Application for interim reinstatement declined – Foreman
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Injunction
Number of Pages 10
PDF File Link: 2011_NZERA_Wellington_186.pdf [pdf 46 KB]