Payout for shuttle driver who lost job

A former shuttle bus driver at Wellington Airport, accused of driving as if he was "Peter Brock at Bathurst", has been awarded more than $11,000 after being dismissed without warning.

Ismaaciil Abdiqadir Dacar drove the shuttle between the airport and its long-term car park. He was employed by Care Park for about three months before a customer complained about his driving in July last year.

The complainant said his driving had been a disgrace and he acted "like he was Peter Brock at Bathurst".

Brock was an Australian motor racing driver who died in a crash during a rally in Western Australia in 2006.

Dacar was suspended by Care Park with pay but with no opportunity to defend himself. A disciplinary meeting followed and Dacar did not seek representation there, though he was told his job was at risk.

He was dismissed when he did not confirm or deny the allegation of speeding.

An Employment Relations Authority decision has now ruled that no fair and reasonable employer could have found Mr Dacar was speeding as there was not enough investigation or evidence. In any case, he should have been given a final warning before being dismissed.

A Care Park spokeswoman said yesterday the authority had made its decision and the company would abide by it. Care Park has been ordered to pay Dacar $5000 in compensation and almost $7000 in lost remuneration.

- © Fairfax NZ News