ERA upholds dismissal of shift manager at security firm

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has ruled that a former shift manager at a national security company was justifiably dismissed following revelations he had misused company time and resources, including watching movies while on shift.

The employee filed a personal grievance after being terminated in February 2024, alleging that his dismissal was unjust and that the disciplinary process was flawed and biased.

However, the ERA found that the employer had both substantive and procedural justification for ending his employment.

"In all the circumstances at the relevant time I find that dismissing [the employee] was a decision a fair and reasonable employer could have taken," the ERA ruled.

Watching movies while at work

The employer raised concerns after observing that the employee failed to complete expected site visits, used company vehicles for personal tasks without authorisation, and repeatedly spent extended time at residential addresses during shifts.

The Authority noted that the employee had failed to provide clear explanations for his conduct.

The employee admitted during an internal meeting that he would sometimes watch movies in his car while on duty. He also justified the use of company vehicles for personal errands, including attending physiotherapy sessions, without prior approval.

The employer expressed concerns over these explanations, noting that the role was not a work-from-home position.

"So, any...

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