Claim for $5000 in lost wages

Press, 9 February 1983, Page 7

Claim for $5000 in lost wages

The Arbitration Court reserved its decision in Christchurch yesterday on a personal grievance claim against Worcester Holdings. Ltd. The Canterbury Clerical Workers Union sought an order for the sum of $5529 and a sum of compensation to be awarded to Mrs Joan Payne for alleged unjustified dismissal. The advocate for the union. Mr D. Bruce, said that Mrs Payne was dismissed because she sought from her employer the rate of payment. to which she was entitled under the award. The respondent company had since paid the arrears after her dismissal. She had been dismissed in May. 1981. and she had been unable to get a job. The loss in wages was calculated to December 24. the date at which she would have left work to have her babv.

Counsel for the respondent company. Mr C. B. Atkinson, said that the union was not entitled to bring the action under section 117 of the Industrial Relations Act after having failed last year when it brought an action under section 150 of the act.

The action brought by the union last year was against Christchurch Car Sales. Ltd. which shares the premises with Worcester Holdings and whose managing director is the same person. The Court, comprising Chief Judge J. R. P. Horn and Messrs A. J. Boomer and P. L. Oldham, reserved its decision on the question of jurisdiction as well as on the facts of the case.

The managing director of Worcester Holdings. Mr F. A. Crowe, said that Mrs Payne was dismissed because she was a disruptive influence and caused disharmony among the staff.

Mrs Payne denied that she was disruptive.