Dismissed lecturer wins $10,000 from university

A sacked lecturer has been awarded $10,000 compensation after an employment wrangle with the University of Auckland.

The lecturer, who has not been named, was sacked last November after being told he had not met the standards required of a senior lecturer.

But the Employment Relations Authority told the University of Auckland it had to reinstate the man and reimburse all salary lost.

The authority ruled that the lecturer, engaged on a continuing, tenurable appointment, subject to completion of an initial four-year term, was unjustifiably dismissed.

Employment Authority member James Wilson also recommended that the university, in consultation with the Association of University Staff, review its continuation policy to ensure it meets minimum standards of natural justice, is available to and understood by staff and to ensure that those charged with administering the policy are provided with guidance and support regarding their responsibilities.

AUS general secretary Helen Kelly said the union had told the university that its continuation policy and the process it was using to dismiss him were unfair and did not meet the basic standards of natural justice.

A university spokesman said it was considering appealing.