One of the most bitter, expensive and protracted employment
cases in New Zealand highlights how initially minor tensions can
snowball.
Ms Snowden v Radio New Zealand case is, perhaps, the
most stark example in recent times of extreme incompatibility in
the workplace. But it started with some tensions in the
relationship that were "not particularly serious" and
deteriorated into one of the most acrimonious employment disputes
to come before the New Zealand courts. Ms Snowden told the
Employment Court that she had spent $3.5million in her claims
against Radio New Zealand.
The bitter dispute and protracted litigation between Ms Snowden
started in late 2002 and lasted nearly 12 years. The Employment
Court finally heard the claims and issued a decision in April 2014.
One of Ms Snowden's claims against Radio New Zealand is that
she had been unjustifiably dismissed in 2005. The Employment Court
heard extensive evidence about the way in which the employment
relationship
