Dismissal differs from resignation because dismissal: A. Is voluntary B. Is punitive C. Grants automatic pension D. Is temporary

• Dismissal is when an employer terminates an employee's employment, often due to misconduct, poor performance, or other reasons initiated by the employer.
• Resignation is when an employee voluntarily chooses to leave their job.

• A. Is voluntary: Dismissal is not voluntary; it is initiated by the employer. Resignation is voluntary.
• B. Is punitive: Dismissal is often a disciplinary action or a consequence for an employee's actions or performance, making it punitive. The "Key Takeaways" also state, "Dismissal is punitive; resignation is voluntary."
• C. Grants automatic pension: Dismissal, especially for cause, can often lead to the loss or reduction of pension benefits, not an automatic grant.
• D. Is temporary: Dismissal is typically a permanent termination of employment, not temporary.

Based on the definitions and the provided hint, dismissal is punitive, while resignation is voluntary.

The final answer is $\boxed{\text{B}}$.