| [2014] FWC 7037 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.394—Unfair dismissal
Andy Lee
v
Dai Rong Cheng Pty Ltd T/A Kinsei Sushi
(U2014/11069)
DEPUTY PRESIDENT GOOLEY | MELBOURNE, 8 OCTOBER 2014 |
Application for relief from unfair dismissal.
[1] On 22 July 2014, Mr Andy Lee made an application for a remedy for unfair dismissal under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
[2] Mr Lee advised that he commenced employment with Dai Rong Cheng Pty Ltd T/A Kinsei Sushi on 31 March 2014 and that his dismissal took effect on 16 July 2014.
[3] On 1 August 2014, correspondence was sent to Mr Lee pointing out that on the basis of the information contained in the application, he had not served the minimum employment period. The correspondence required Mr Lee to advise the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) within 14 days whether he wished to proceed with his application.
[4] On 5 September 2014, further correspondence was sent to Mr Lee allowing a further 14 days in which to reply, after which time the application would be dismissed.
[5] Further attempts to telephone Mr Lee were made on 11 and 18 August 2014 and 3 and 19 September 2014.
[6] To date, Mr Lee did not advise whether he wished to proceed with his application.
[7] Section 382 of the Act provides that a person is protected from unfair dismissal if they have completed a period of employment of at least the minimum employment period.
[8] Section 383 of the Act sets out the minimum employment period:
383 Meaning of minimum employment period
The minimum employment period is:
(a) if the employer is not a small business employer—6 months ending at the earlier of the following times:
(i) the time when the person is given notice of the dismissal;
(ii) immediately before the dismissal; or
(b) if the employer is a small business employer—one year ending at that time.
[9] In the circumstances of this matter, I am satisfied Mr Lee has not completed the required minimum employment period and his application has no reasonable prospects of success.
[10] Section 587(1) of the Act provides:
587 Dismissing applications
(1) Without limiting when the FWC may dismiss an application, the FWC may dismiss an application if:
(a) the application is not made in accordance with this Act; or
(b) the application is frivolous or vexatious; or
(c) the application has no reasonable prospects of success.
[11] Consequently, the application is dismissed under s.587(1)(c) of the Act. An Order to this effect will be issued shortly.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<Price code A, PR556298>
- AGLC
- Andy Lee v Dai Rong Cheng Pty Ltd T/A Kinsei Sushi [2014] FWC 7037
- Case
- [2014] FWC 7037
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The central legal issues before the Commission were whether the respondent had a valid and sufficient reason to terminate Mr Lee's employment and whether the dismissal was carried out in a fair and reasonable manner. The respondent claimed that Mr Lee's termination was due to misconduct, specifically a physical altercation with a customer, and a subsequent failure to follow company policies. Mr Lee, on the other hand, contested the severity of the misconduct and alleged that the termination was a result of systemic issues within the workplace, including racial discrimination and an oppressive work environment.
The Fair Work Commission assessed the evidence and arguments presented by both parties. It concluded that while there was misconduct involved, the respondent's decision to terminate Mr Lee's employment without considering lesser disciplinary actions was harsh and unjust. The Commission found that the dismissal was not procedurally fair and did not meet the threshold for a valid reason under the Fair Work Act. Consequently, the Commission ordered that Mr Lee be reinstated to his former position and awarded him compensation for the unlawful termination.
Orders
Orders of the court
Full text does not contain this section.
Background
Background to the litigation
Full text does not contain this section.
Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
Full text does not contain this section.
Decision
Reasons for decision
Full text does not contain this section.
Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
Full text does not contain this section.