Log in or become a subscriber

Demoting an employee whose "zealous approach" to his role negatively affected workplace relationships was fair and reasonable, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.

The Catholic Education Western Australia mathematics teacher claimed unfair dismissal after he was demoted from the head of mathematics role at Irene McCormick Catholic College in September last year.

The FWC heard that in June 2020, a review of the employee's performance identified "areas for future focus", including that he should: develop skills in managing a diverse group of staff; not speak without thinking; and realise his "extreme opinions" caused conversations to become uncomfortable.

As a result of the review, the employer extended the employee's contract as head of maths for one year (instead of three), with another review scheduled for mid-2021...