Labara will finish up as a coach at Moana Pool today and, in a document obtained by the Otago Daily Times, he is said to be "shattered" by events.
But the Dunedin Swim Coaching Board said the changes had been made so the coaches could carry out more of the administration roles which were becoming too much of a burden on volunteers.
The board, set up five years ago by the Dunedin City Council, oversees the coaches of swimmers at Moana Pool.
The old structure had two fulltime coaches, with Labara as the senior head coach, and a fulltime administrator with other part-time and casual coaches.But under the new structure there would be three fulltime coaches who would all take up a share of the administration duties.
Labara, who comes from Ukraine, has been in Dunedin for 11 years, but now feels he has no option but resign. The other coach has resigned to go overseas.
In the document outlining concerns from Labara, his representative said the manner in which Labara had been treated was virtually a textbook case of constructive dismissal.
"For a successful professional coach to be disrespected and dismissed by his employer, on the basis of a ruse, is appalling," it said.
The new proposal was turning a brilliant swimming coach into an office boy. No financial information was ever provided to Labara about the budget and administration costs.
"You have embarked upon a covert campaign to remove Labara from his job as head coach ... a self-respecting employee cannot be expected to suffer such humiliation indefinitely."
Dunedin Swim Coaching Board chairman Jonathan Duncan said the board had spent considerable time how it could further develop swimming in Otago.
"The board has developed a proposal which we consider would enable us to operate in a more cost-effective manner, provide us with more efficient administration, and strengthen our coaches by ensuring they are fully involved in managing the swimmers they are responsible for."
Duncan could not comment on employment matters but said all potentially affected staff were advised of the proposed changes and invited to express views. The board and volunteers were doing too much administration and management tasks.
A decision was made to go ahead with the changes after extensive consultation. Applications for the three new coaches close on Monday.
