The Philippine Times January 2016 | Page 16

16 www.philtimes.com.au the philippine times JANUARY 2016 Unfair dismissal claim, what is it? sonable; and (c) the dismissal was not consistent with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code; and (d) the dismissal was not a case of genuine redundancy.” Charlie Bulos, Solicitor in Victoria Before I proceed, a season’s greetings to all! To all our readers, may you have a happy and safe new year! Unfair dismissal claim This complaint is most likely resorted if the workers felt that the dismissal is unfair, harsh, unjust and unreasonable in the circumstances. It is for this reason that I feel obliged to deal on this issue time and again for the sake of everyone who is at the lower and upper end of the scale or position. This means that unfair dismissal claim is qualified and not everyone has entitlement. This is described under section 394 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (‘the Act’). FAIR WORK ACT 2009 SECT 385 This particular complaint is experienced and continued to be experienced by many whilst being employed. It is not simple, but rather very complicated more particularly when the employers, although small businesses are covered or defined as associated entity within the meaning of Section 50 AAAA of the Corporation Act 2001 (Cth) (“the Corporation Act”). Facts Maria was employed by Finke Enterprises Pty Ltd ATF M7L Carlson Family Trust t/a Fused Café Pender Place for about 7.5 months as Barista. For some reason or the other, she was dismissed without notice. This is being said to be a small business employer. Due to what Maria thought to be unfair, harsh and unreasonable she went to the FWC to complain her unfair dismissal and sought appropriate relief under sec- What is an unfair dismissal? “A person has been unfairly dismissed if the Fair Work Commission (FWC) is satisfied that: (a) the person has been dismissed; and (b) the dismissal was harsh, unjust or unrea- tion 394 of the Fair Work Act (2009) (Cth) (‘the Act’). At the time of her dismissal the employer has 12 employees 7 of which were casual employees who are employed on regular and systematic basis. The employer objected to the complaint and sought its dismissal claiming that as employer and small busi- ness it is protected unfair dismissal claim. So, in short this is jurisdictional issue that the FWC has to deal prior to formal hearing to determine the merit of the case. Maria claims that Carlson Group Australia Pty Ltd. (Carlson Group) is an associated entity of Finke Enterprises and operates the Fused Café where Maria was working. It was not in dispute that Mr & Mrs Carlson both have effective control of the Finke Enterprises and Carlson Group. Further to this, Maria added that Carlson Group has another six employees apart from 12 employees earlier mentioned to make up a total of 21 employees. Issue: The question now is whether or not the employer (Finke Enterprises) is an entity of Carlson Group and whether or not entity includes a natural person defined under section 64A of the Corporation Act and part of course of the issues if jurisdictional issue is resolved positively is whether the dismissal is unfair under section 394 of the Act? Conclusion The FWC in this instance supports Maria. It is satisfied that both enterprises (Carlson Group and Finke Enterprise) are associated entities within the meaning of section 50AAA of the Corporation Act with the combined number of employees of more than 15 which is the threshold number for small business. This means that the employer is no longer small business within the protective mantle of unfair dismissal claims. Therefore, the jurisdictional complaint of the employer is dismissed and the case continues to be heard to deal a significant issue whether or not the applicant or Maria’s dismissal was unfair, unjust and unreasonable under section 394 of the FW Act (2009) (see Janine Budden v Finke Enterprises Pty Ltd ATF M & L Carlson Family Trust t/a Fused Café Pender Place (U2015/13072) New Castle, 16 December 2015) (For comments or feedback, email [email protected]) To m or ro w, PROPERTY INVESTMENT SERVICES yo u r Summary: • pre- release- off market development • will be called “Caulfield Village” with shops at your door step. 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