Staff Member Won an Enthralling Battle and Received $15,000 After Being Sacked Over a Bizarre Reason

The COVID-19 pandemic left a harsh impact on the lives of millions across the globe. While most people are now in a safer environment, there are some who are still facing consequences for the same. And they are not just health-related. In recent news, a golf club was told to pay huge compensation to an ex-employee, who has dragged the club into some serious accusations.

Golf club asked to pay a huge amount for unfair actions toward a staff member

The Whangamata Golf Club is currently in deep trouble after it has been told to pay $15,000 and wages to Benjamin Harwood. As per reports, former director of golf Harwood did not get vaccinated when told by the company. And as a result of not getting jabbed at the said time, he was dismissed by the club. The individual was employed as the golf club’s director from November 2020 until December 31, 2021.

Taking his issue to the Employment Relations Authority, Harwood claimed that the club had unjustifiably dismissed him from his role. According to him, the club should have thought of other alternatives as a consequence of his non-compliance. Harwood also raised a complaint about unjustified disadvantage as the club had allegedly failed to provide a safe-for-work environment to him.

To cover for his losses, Harwood claimed his right to receive compensation and payment of lost wages. He also blamed the club for failing to stick to their statutory duty of good faith. He also said that his dismissal had caused a huge emotional impact on him and his family.

What was the club’s reaction to Harwood’s claims?

According to the club, it used a fair consultation process on the vaccination policy. They also said that they had discussed the consequences of his non-compliance with him. General manager Richard White and governance committee chairperson Terry Wilson also claim to have met staff to update them about the “no jab, no play” with their workers.

“Harwood was invited to and made detailed submissions on the appropriateness of and implementation of a blanket vaccination policy,” authority member Marija Urlich explained. But even after giving a two-week notice to Harwood, he failed to get jabbed. However, the club dismissed him after the due date for his vaccination without informing him about the exact consequences.

Read More: Ex-One Direction Member Niall Horan Announces Multi-Year Deal With $3.7 Billion Worth Golf Giant

According to Urlich, the club could have chosen to take other actions over his dismissal. “The unjustified action claim is folded into the unjustified dismissal,” she added. As per her final statements, she asked the club to pay Harwood $15,000 for compensation for humiliation, loss of dignity, injury to feelings, and two months’ wages.

Watch This Story: Golf World Reacts to Strange Tiger Woods Achievement