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A construction worker whose employer accused him of being "pissed" while he was home sick with a doctor's certificate has been awarded $2000 compensation by the Employment Relations Authority.
Desmond George Teaukura, 21, was employed as a hammer hand by Richmond Construction
On Friday, March 16 he was unwell and his doctor gave him a medical certificate putting him off work until March 19. He texted his employer, Shane Richmond, who asked for a medical certificate. He texted him again on the Monday to say he was still unwell.
Mr Richmond texted back saying, "Best find yourself another job."
Mr Teaukura texted back asking why he needed to look for a job when he had a medical certificate.
"Mr Richmond said Mr Teaukura had not been sick on the Friday, he had been pissed," the authority said.
Mr Teaukura gave Mr Richmond the contact for his doctor but heard no more.
Mr Richmond said he ended Mr Teaukura's employment because a fellow employee had gone into work drunk on the Friday saying he had been partying with Mr Teaukura.
- NZPA
