CHRISTOPHER NEIL JAMES AND GLOBAL GOSSIP PTY LTD Application re unfair dismissal pursuant to section 84 of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 [2000] NSWIRComm 43

Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales

CITATION : CHRISTOPHER NEIL JAMES AND GLOBAL GOSSIP PTY LTD Application re unfair dismissal pursuant to section 84 of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 [2000] NSWIRComm 43 PARTIES : Christopher Neil James Global Gossip Pty Ltd FILE NUMBER: 4997 of 1999 CORAM: Sams DP Termination of employment - unfair dismissal - whether a constructive dismissal - applicant resigned - whether a forced resignation - casual employment - seasonal downturn - reduced hours of work - applicant refused to follow company policy - whether company policy was unfair or ambiguous - alleged poor performance - absence of formal warning or counselling - termination at the initiative of employer - whether termination "harsh unreasonable or unjust" - compensation sought - whether compensation for hurt and humiliation CATCHWORDS : Held, resignation amounted to constructive dismissal - dismissal "harsh, unreasonable and unjust" - reinstatement impracticable and inappropriate - compensation ordered - compensation for hurt and humiliation refused - lack of evidence. LEGISLATION CITED : Industrial Relations Act 1996 Workplace Relations Act 1996 Allison v Bega Valley Council (1995) 63 IR 68 Mohazab v Dick Smith Electronics (1995) 62 IR 200 Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists & Managers Australia v David Graphics Pty Limited (unreported, Industrial Relations Court of Australia, Wilcox CJ. 12 July 1995) Linkstaff International Pty Ltd v Roberts (1996) 67 IR 381 Claric 218 Pty Ltd t/as Sanity Music v Meldrum (1998) 91 IR 296 Clark v Pittwater RSL Club Limited (1998) 84 IR 309 CASES CITED : Lorna Britton v Riverstone Public School (unreported, Schmidt J, Sams DP and McLeay C, Matter IRC5504 of 1999, 6 May 1999) St Vincents Hospital Sydney Pty Limited v Harris (1998) 81 IR 173 Peters v Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust (1998) 86 IR 162 Bayley Trading Co and New South Wales Sales Representatives and Commercial Travellers Guild [1979] AR 392 Nettlefold v Kym Smoker Pty Ltd (1996) 69 IR 370 Liu and Ors v Coms 21 Ltd (Giudice P, Duncan DP and Larkin C, Dec 193/00 M Print S3571) Burazin v Blacktown City Guardian Pty Ltd (1996) 142 ALR 144 HEARING DATES: 02/17/2000; 02/18/2000 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 04/07/2000