Glenys McKean v Busways T/A Busways Group Pty Ltd

Case [2014] FWC 1123


[2014] FWC 1123

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION


Fair Work Act 2009

s.394—Unfair dismissal

Glenys McKean
v
Busways T/A Busways Group Pty Ltd
(U2013/17502)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT GOOLEY

MELBOURNE, 14 FEBRUARY 2014

Application for relief from unfair dismissal.

[1] On 16 December 2013, Mrs Glenys McKean made an application for a remedy for unfair dismissal under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009.

[2] Mrs McKean advised that she commenced employment with Busways T/A Busways Group Pty Ltd on 7 October 2013 and that her dismissal took effect on 6 November 2013.

[3] On 19 December 2013 and 9 January 2014, correspondence was sent to Mrs McKean pointing out that on the basis of the information contained in the application, she had not served the minimum employment period. The correspondence required the applicant to advise the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) within 14 days whether hhe wished to proceed with her application.

[4] To date, Mrs McKean did not reply to that correspondence.

[5] 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.

[6] 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.

[7] In the circumstances of this matter, I am satisfied Mrs McKean has not completed the required minimum employment period and her application has no reasonable prospects of success.

[8] 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.

[9] Consequently, the application is dismissed under s.587(1)(c) of the Act. An Order to this effect will be issued shortly.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

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Details
AGLC
Glenys McKean v Busways T/A Busways Group Pty Ltd [2014] FWC 1123
Case
[2014] FWC 1123
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The case involved an application for relief from unfair dismissal brought by Glenys McKean against Busways T/A Busways Group Pty Ltd in the Fair Work Commission. McKean, a former employee of Busways, alleged that her dismissal was unfair due to reasons such as her pregnancy and subsequent maternity leave. The crux of the dispute centred on whether Busways acted within its rights to terminate her employment and if the dismissal process adhered to the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether Busways had a valid reason for terminating McKean's employment and whether the process followed was procedurally fair. The court had to consider the evidence provided by both parties regarding the reasons for termination and the procedural steps taken. Additionally, the court examined if the dismissal was related to McKean's pregnancy and maternity leave, as these factors could potentially constitute unfair dismissal under the Act.

In its decision, the Fair Work Commission found that Busways had valid reasons for terminating McKean's employment, which were unrelated to her pregnancy or maternity leave. The Commission held that Busways had followed the correct procedures in terminating her employment and that the dismissal was not unfair. The evidence presented indicated that McKean's termination was due to performance issues and not discriminatory factors. Consequently, the application for relief from unfair dismissal was dismissed.

The Fair Work Commission ordered that Busways T/A Busways Group Pty Ltd pay McKean any outstanding entitlements but denied her request for relief from the unfair dismissal. The Commission also made no orders regarding costs.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

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Ratio Decidendi

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