CityCat Employee Dismissed After Taking Sick Leave for Half the Year
Jodie Daunis, a former employee of Rivercity Ferries, lost her appeal for reinstatement after being dismissed due to extended sick leave. The Fair Work Commission ruled against her claims, highlighting her prolonged absences from work.
Background of the Case
Daunis, who had worked with Rivercity Ferries since 2008, primarily as a deckhand since 2019, underwent significant health challenges. She was diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in 2012 and had a genetic predisposition to blood clotting. In 2024, a new blood clot developed, which led to 114 days of absence from work.
Health Issues and Dismissal
The extensive leave led to the exhaustion of her sick and annual leave, culminating in her dismissal. Daunis argued that her termination was unfair, indicating she had followed medical advice. She represented herself with the assistance of the Maritime Union of Australia during her appeal.
- Employment Duration: 2008 – 2025
- Time Off: 114 days due to health issues
- Medical Conditions: DVT diagnosed in 2012, with a new blood clot incident in 2024
- Dismissal Date: Mid-2025
Medical Opinions and Work Capacity
Medical certificates submitted during the year leading up to her dismissal contradicted each other regarding her ability to return to work. Dr. Simone Carlotto, her treating physician, recommended modified work hours and indicated that Daunis experienced significant pain in her role, which necessitated shorter working periods.
Commission’s Findings
The Fair Work Commission noted that Daunis had a long history of absences due to various medical conditions. They concluded that Rivercity Ferries could not reliably assess her health risks at work due to her inconsistent medical capacity. Ultimately, the commission determined that the dismissal was neither harsh nor unreasonable, dismissing Daunis’ claims as unfounded.
This ruling highlights the complexities surrounding employment rights for individuals with serious health conditions and raises questions about workplace accommodations for similar cases in the future. For further developments in labor relations and employee rights, stay tuned to Filmogaz.com.
