Grace Seruvatu v Rydges Palmerston

[2016] FWC 2517

[2016] FWC 2517

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.394—Unfair dismissal

Grace Seruvatu
v
Rydges Palmerston
(U2016/5570)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT GOOLEY MELBOURNE, 21 APRIL 2016

Application for relief from unfair dismissal.

[1] On 22 March 2016, Ms Grace Seruvatu made an application for a remedy for unfair dismissal under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009.

[2] Ms Seruvatu advised that she commenced employment with Rydges Palmerston on 27 February 2016 and that her dismissal took effect on 3 March 2016.

[3] On 22 March 2016, the Commission telephoned Ms Seruvatu to advise she had not served the minimum employment period. She advised she would seek independent legal advice.

[4] On 23 March 2016, the Commission telephoned Ms Seruvatu but the call was not answered.

[5] On 29 March 2016, correspondence was sent to Ms Seruvatu pointing out that on the basis of the information contained in the application she had not served the minimum employment period. The correspondence required Ms Seruvatu to advise the Fair Work Commission within 14 days whether she wished to proceed with her application.

[6] To date, Mrs Seruvatu did not reply to that correspondence.

[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 Ms Seruvatu has not completed the required minimum employment period and her 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

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