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Results for unpaid wages

Showing 41-48 of 279 results
LIEN v HUYNH [2025] NZERA 70 - trial-period defence fails; dismissal and underpayment grievance succeed

Ms Lien was dismissed from a nail salon after allegations about outside work and later criticism of her performance. The employer also relied on a 90-day trial defence and disputed wages, although the alleged performance concerns had not been properly raised during employment.

Matched passage: Decision markers The Authority found that the failure to pay wages in full and when due was unjustified and disadvantaged Ms Lien in the terms and conditions of her employment.
UDUMULLAGA v HOPKINS JOINERY LIMITED [2025] NZERA 270 - employer-prepared resignation and redundancy dismissal unjustified

Ms Udumullaga was presented with an employer-prepared resignation letter and was later told her job had already been disestablished. The dispute concerned redundancy, periods when she said she was fit and available to work, unpaid entitlements, and whether the employer's process was genuine and fair.

Matched passage: ... no position for her to return to. Ultimately, Ms Udumullaga seeks reimbursement of unpaid wages from 16 November 2023 when Ms Udumullaga says she was ready and willing to work as supported by her medical certificates, but was told by Hopkins not to attend work, through ...
Shaoqiang Chen v Wen Hui Lin [2026] NZERA 307 - cash-paid cook unjustifiably dismissed, minimum wage arrears and penalties ordered

Shaoqiang Chen worked long hours as a cook at Beached As Takeaways, was paid cash below lawful rates and later had his employment ended. The case involved employer identity, minimum-wage and holiday entitlements, record failures and the justification for dismissal.

Matched passage: ... issues established as part of the dismissal context; bullying claim not established Orders payable to Mr Chen: wage arrears, alternative holiday value, annual holiday value, four weeks' lost wages, $8,000 compensation, $1,000 costs, and $1,000 from penalties Penalties: $12,000 ...
Ronald Thomas Shea v STLand Contracting Limited (in liquidation) [2026] NZERA 420 - dismissed by phone without a process

Ronald Shea's hours at STLand Contracting fell sharply before he was told by phone that there was no more work for him. He also alleged bullying and an unsafe workplace, while the employer had undertaken no redundancy or dismissal consultation.

Matched passage: STLand was ordered to pay $5,600 gross notice pay, $16,000 gross lost wages, $23,000 compensation and $1,000 costs: $45,600 in total, subject to lawful deductions from the gross components.
Natalie Butler-Smith v David and Dale Cavey t/a DG and DV Cavey Partnership [2026] NZERA 324 - farm assistant dismissed before returning from parental leave

Part-time farm assistant Natalie Butler-Smith was dismissed in February 2024 around the end of parental leave, with the employers raising health-and-safety concerns and disputing aspects of work performed during leave. The respondents did not appear at the investigation meeting.

Matched passage: The ERA ordered payment of unpaid work, 13 weeks lost wages, four weeks notice pay, and $20,000 compensation.
ZiGen Wong v NZAT Construction Limited [2026] NZERA 193 - employee status found despite no visa; $18,187.50 wage arrears + $1,455 holiday pay; constructive dismissal upheld

ZiGen Wong worked for NZAT Construction without a valid work visa and was later denied wages and employment protections on the basis that the arrangement was not lawful employment. He claimed employee status, arrears and constructive dismissal.

Matched passage: 50 Unpaid period found: 17 weeks (8 January 2024 to 5 May 2024) Gross wages for 17 weeks: $20,187.
Olliver & Taylor v Te Araroa [2025] NZERA 312 - fixed-term dismissals unjustified; $37,500 and $27,500 compensation

Community Connectors Daynah Olliver and Sheena Taylor were employed on fixed-term agreements that did not properly record the statutory reasons for the fixed terms. Te Araroa then tried to end both employments early without a fair process.

Matched passage: ... Olliver: $37,500 compensation for dismissal, discrimination and disadvantage; 13 weeks lost wages plus 8% holiday pay and employer KiwiSaver contribution; $1,110 wage arrears; further wage arrears equivalent to 21 weeks plus holiday pay and KiwiSaver; unpaid annual holiday ...
Yang (Helen) Feng v Dong Construction and Dong Wang [2026] NZERA 132 - trial-period defence fails; dismissal and entitlement breaches established

Yang (Helen) Feng worked for Dong Construction in circumstances involving a disputed trial period and claims for unpaid employment entitlements. The ERA examined whether the trial clause could lawfully prevent a dismissal grievance and what wages or other payments remained owing.

Matched passage: (b) Section 4 of the WPA (failure to pay wages when they became due without deduction).

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