Chris Morris v Phil Cox T/A All Tyre and Wheel Service

[2014] FWC 1157

[2014] FWC 1157

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.394—Unfair dismissal

Chris Morris
v
Phil Cox T/A All Tyre and Wheel Service
(U2013/15089)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT GOOLEY MELBOURNE, 18 FEBRUARY 2014

Application for relief from unfair dismissal dismissed.

[1] On 18 October 2013, Mr Chris Morris made an application for remedy for unfair dismissal under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009. Mr Morris’ employment had been terminated by Phil Cox T/A All Tyre and Wheel Service (ATWS) on 27 September 2013.

[2] The matter was listed for conciliation on 2 December 2013 however it could not take place. Consequently, directions were issued and the matter was listed for hearing.

[3] Mr Morris was directed to file an outline of submissions, any witness statements and other documentary material he wished to rely on by noon, on 28 January 2014.

[4] Mr Morris did not comply with this direction and the matter was listed for a non compliance hearing before Commissioner Roe on 31 January 2014

[5] Mr Morris did not attend the non compliance hearing. ATWS made an oral application, pursuant to s.399A of the Act, that the matter be dismissed as Mr Morris had failed to comply with the direction of the Fair Work Commission (the Commission). Commissioner Roe waived compliance with the Fair Work Rules 2009 and accepted ATWS’ oral application.

[6] On 31 January 2014, Mr Morris was sent correspondence informing him of the Respondent’s s.399A application. Mr Morris was directed to file submissions and other documentary material in respect of ATWS’ application by close of business, on 10 February 2014. Mr Morris was advised that if he failed to comply with this direction, his application would be dismissed.

[7] Mr Morris did not file any material with the Commission.

[8] Section 399A of the Act provides as follows:

399A Dismissing applications

(1) The FWC may, subject to subsection (2), dismiss an application for an order under Division 4 if the FWC is satisfied that the applicant has unreasonably:

(a) failed to attend a conference conducted by the FWC, or a hearing held by the FWC, in relation to the application; or

(b) failed to comply with a direction or order of the FWC relating to the application; or

(c) failed to discontinue the application after a settlement agreement has been concluded.

....

(2) The FWC may exercise its power under subsection (1) on application by the employer.

(3) This section does not limit when the FWC may dismiss an application.

[9] Section 593 of the Act provides that the Commission is not required to hold a hearing except as provided by the Act.

[10] As Mr Morris did not file any material in opposition to the application to dismiss, I will determine the application on the papers.

[11] After considering all the material, Mr Morris’ application for remedy from unfair dismissal is dismissed. An order giving effect to this decision will be issued today.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

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