ERA: Labourer who 'got on the piss' justifiably fired

A Christchurch labourer who "got on the piss" and failed to show up for work was justifiably dismissed, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) says.

George Rerekura was fired from metal manufacturer A W Fraser in early 2009 after becoming "worse for drink" at a private Christmas function, missing a shift and failing to notify anyone of his absence.

At the start of his next shift, Mr Rerekura told production manager Matthew Dixon he was sick but then confessed to going out drinking.

In an ERA decision released today, Mr Dixon said Mr Rerekura only told the truth when confronted with evidence from another employee.

At the end of a disciplinary process he was fired for serious misconduct.

Mr Rerekura said he felt ambushed by Mr Dixon and the company had "blown the whole thing way out of proportion".

He also said because he told the truth "almost immediately" he was not being dishonest.

Mr Rerekura had worked for A W Fraser and its predecessors for about 20 years and had history of taking sick days on a Friday.

ERA member James Crichton said the evidence showed Mr Rerekura intended to mislead his employer.

"The fact that Mr Rerekura thought it appropriate to 'go out on the piss' on a night when he should have been working must go to the root of the trust and confidence that ought to be maintained between parties to an employment relationship," he said.

"I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that a good and fair employer, after the conduct of a proper investigation, would have dismissed Mr Rerekura."

- NZPA