Joanne Smith v Rocky Harley-Davidson

[2013] FWC 9965

[2013] FWC 9965

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.394—Unfair dismissal

Joanne Smith
v
Rocky Harley-Davidson
(U2013/14405)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT GOOLEY MELBOURNE, 19 DECEMBER 2013

Application for relief from unfair dismissal dismissed.

[1] On 11 October 2013, Ms Joanne Smith made an application for a remedy for unfair dismissal under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009.

[2] Ms Smith advised that she commenced employment with Rocky Harley-Davidson on 15 July 2013 and that her dismissal took effect on 11 October 2013.

[3] On 14 October and 29 October 2013, correspondence was sent to Ms Smith 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 she wished to proceed with her application.

[4] To date, Ms Smith 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 Ms Smith 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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