The Workplace Relations Commission found that an airline cabin crew employee was not unfairly dismissed after he admitted importing 2,000 cigarettes without paying duty, in breach of Customs and company rules. In a decision dated 16 November 2016, the WRC found the disciplinary process fair and saw no basis to disturb the dismissal.
The employee argued that dismissal without notice was disproportionate, citing long service, a good record and cooperation. The airline said the breach was serious and dismissal proportionate. A separate minimum-notice complaint was resolved before the hearing and withdrawn.