Italian chef's unfair dismissal claim rejected after refusing pineapple on pizza
A Fair Work Commission dismissed an Italian chef's claim of unfair dismissal, ruling the application was filed too late after he declined to add pineapple to pizza, citing cultural offense.
An Italian chef employed at La Costa Restaurant and Bar in Brisbane had his unfair dismissal claim rejected by the Fair Work Commission. The commission said the claim was filed beyond the allowable time limit.
The chef, Davide Tamburella, was dismissed in May following a meeting with management that addressed several performance concerns, including his refusal to place pineapple on pizza at a function. Tamburella said the topping was an insult to his culture and offensive to him as an Italian, and he urged his employer to research the cultural significance of the issue.
Management also cited Tamburella’s use of foul language, his communication style and an incident in which he fractured his hand after striking a metal rail, describing these as escalations of frustration during service.
After the ruling, Tamburella’s LinkedIn profile shows he has taken a new position as head chef at Don Gino.