The Employment Relations Authority has upheld a very unusual personal grievance claim for constructive dismissal.  The employee made allegations of bullying by her supervisor, and the employer arranged a meeting to discuss the allegations, but got the process very wrong.

The employer did not tell the employee that the alleged bully would be present for the discussion, and when the employee objected the employer persuaded her to stay.

The employer then allowed the alleged bully to abuse the staff member during the meeting, and also allowed the alleged bully to abuse the staff member’s mother (who had attended as a support person).

The employee resigned, claiming a breakdown in the work relationship, and the ERA agreed awarding her lost wages and compensation of almost $7,000.

These facts seem very unusual.  What is even more unusual is that the employer’s HR Coordinator was the person who organised and ran the meeting.  If you need help getting your employment processes right give me a call on (04) 473 6850.