Log in or become a subscriber

This content requires HR Daily Premium membership. Log in below or sign up here.

Employee sacked after Facebook posts "cheered on" vaccination protests

A procedurally unfair dismissal process didn't negate an employer's right to sack a worker over social media posts that mocked domestic violence, expressed racist sentiments, and vilified minority groups, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.

In September 2021, the ACTU call centre employee posted a comment on its internal messaging platform, Slack, about a violent protest outside the CFMMEU's Victorian construction division office. He said those protesting were "obviously not 'far right' or Neo-Nootsis (whatever that means)" but that his co-workers should "prepare for some calls".

After receiving a screenshot of the post, the ACTU concluded the employee's comments contradicted its stance that the protest involved far-right extremists, and decided to review his public Facebook account.

It subsequently found a number of concerning posts...

Log in or become a subscriber
Subscriber login

Having trouble using your subscription? Contact us for help or check our FAQ page here for answers to commonly asked questions.

HR Daily Premium membership

Sign up now for all the benefits of HR Daily Premium membership.

Join here to stay informed

HR Daily Premium members are Australia's best-informed HR leaders and practitioners when it comes to HR news, thought leadership, legal compliance and emerging trends. Unlock premium membership to receive:

Full access to our news library Breaking news updates each day Complimentary passes to all webinars Webcasts streaming on demand Q&A sessions on hot topics And much more