ERA finds company failed to follow own policies when investigating bullying allegations
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) found that a sales team member was unjustifiably disadvantaged and dismissed when her employer failed to adequately investigate workplace complaints and subsequently terminated her employment for alleged abandonment without proper consideration of her circumstances.
The worker claimed she was bullied and harassed by coworkers, had personal items sold without consent, and faced discrimination based on her medical condition.
The company argued it conducted a thorough investigation that found no substantiation for the complaints and that the worker had abandoned her employment by failing to attend work for extended periods.
The sales team member was employed at an automotive parts retailer from March 2023 until her termination on 2 September 2024.
The ERA found she acknowledged being absent frequently and could not specify how many days she worked in June or July 2024.
In late July 2024, the worker raised concerns with branch management about her treatment at work, including claims she was undermined, treated unfairly, harassed and bullied by coworkers, constantly criticized, and discriminated against based on her arthritis diagnosis.
She also alleged that personal items she had ordered, including Milwaukee hoodies and a fuel pump, were sold by other employees without her knowledge.
The worker's former...
In 1995, Princess Diana made broadcasting history and shaped the future of the Royal Family when she sat down with Martin Bashir for an episode of BBC's Panorama. Three decades on, the interview c...