Fonterra Ordered to Pay $40,000 for Wrongful Dismissal After Dispute Over Sick Leave
Source: The DairyNews
Fonterra has been mandated to compensate a former employee, Steve Waite, nearly $40,000 for wrongful dismissal following an acrimonious dispute over alleged sick leave abuse.
Waite, a production supervisor who had been with Fonterra for 27 years, reported sick in 2022 citing vomiting and diarrhea. Notably, five other staff members on his production line also called in sick on the same day.
Suspicion arose when the team manager, who believed she had overheard a conversation about planning a day off to disrupt production, challenged the legitimacy of the sick calls and demanded medical certificates. This led to a heated exchange between Waite and his manager during a subsequent meeting, where accusations of bullying and intimidation were exchanged.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in Waite's suspension and eventual dismissal on grounds of serious misconduct. However, the Employment Relations Authority in Wellington found that Fonterra had not conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations against Waite. Consequently, he was awarded nearly $40,000 in lost wages and compensation.
Fonterra has refrained from commenting on the ruling, maintaining its policy of not discussing individual employment issues publicly.
Suspicion arose when the team manager, who believed she had overheard a conversation about planning a day off to disrupt production, challenged the legitimacy of the sick calls and demanded medical certificates. This led to a heated exchange between Waite and his manager during a subsequent meeting, where accusations of bullying and intimidation were exchanged.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in Waite's suspension and eventual dismissal on grounds of serious misconduct. However, the Employment Relations Authority in Wellington found that Fonterra had not conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations against Waite. Consequently, he was awarded nearly $40,000 in lost wages and compensation.
Fonterra has refrained from commenting on the ruling, maintaining its policy of not discussing individual employment issues publicly.
