We recently reported on an unfair dismissal case
involving a dismissal via SMS. Sure enough, that dismissal was held
to be unfair.
Click here to access our previous bulletin.
However, unexpectedly, in Martin v DecoGlaze Pty Ltd
Fair Work Australia (FWA) gave the OK to an employer who dismissed
an employee via SMS. Hold the smartphone.
In that case, the employee was a spraypainter/foreman for a
glass splash back manufacturer. The employee was responsible for
maintaining stock including an additive which helps paint adhere to
the glass. When the additive supply ran out, and there was a delay
in further supply, the employee chose to go ahead with painting
jobs without the additive. By doing so, the employee created
defective work which would cost the employer approximately $74,000
to replace.
