It followed weeks of missed pay and a group chat remark about the business taking out a loan
One text told an apprentice builder to start job hunting. The Employment Relations Authority has now ordered his former employer to pay.
In a determination issued September 15, 2026, the Authority found the apprentice had established two personal grievances against Elevate Builders Limited, a Wellington building company: unjustified dismissal and unjustified disadvantage.
The apprentice joined in April 2024 on a written agreement for 40 hours a week, paid weekly. In mid-July, his usual wages stopped. He was not paid again until September 3, and then not until a final payment on October 15, after his employment had ended.
He suggested in a group chat that the business might take out a loan to cover wages. The company’s director called to say he did not appreciate the comment. The apprentice apologised, and the determination records that the director accepted it.
Then came the text on October 1, 2024: “I think it’s best if you start looking for a new job…as we found more mistakes today.” The apprentice replied that he wanted the pay he was owed, or he would seek legal action. A written notice followed on October 6, confirming his employment was terminated effective October 1 for reasons the determination describes as “performance/misconduct.”
He says he had no verbal or written warnings about his performance or conduct. The company did not file a reply, attend the July 28, 2026...
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