A Coles worker who tried to stop a suspected shoplifter has been awarded more than $6,000 after a workplace tribunal ruled his sacking was unfair.
The Sydney worker, who had spent 10 years with the supermarket, stepped in after two suspected thieves allegedly took alcohol from a nearby Liquorland store in Pyrmont.
Doing The Right Thing Cost Him His Job
The worker said he had previously encountered the pair and claimed they were known for stealing and abusing staff.
After confronting them, he attempted to restrain one of the suspects before eventually letting her go.
But Coles wasn’t impressed, with the worker dismissed for breaching company policies designed to protect staff from potentially dangerous situations.
Why Coles Had To Pay
The Fair Work Commission agreed Coles had a valid reason to sack him, but found the decision was harsh and unreasonable.
The tribunal considered his 10 years of service without previous issues, the isolated nature of the incident and the way his suspension was handled.
He won’t be getting his job back, but Coles has been ordered to pay him $6,483.51 in compensation.
The case highlights the tricky position retail workers can find themselves in when dealing with suspected theft.
While it’s understandable employees want to protect their workplace, company policies make it clear that personal safety must come first.
