Log in or become a subscriber

An employee's "bizarre" communication style was the reason for his dismissal, and it was unsurprising that his employer was "confused" by it, the Federal Circuit Court has ruled in adverse action proceedings.

In April 2020, the CEO of Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation dismissed the project officer during his six-month probation period, after determining he was unsuitable for the role.

The employee's manager had recommended termination, telling the CEO the employee was "interesting" but could be "quite obtuse" in his written and verbal communications, and that he lacked focus, often engaging in conversations that wandered away from work topics.

The employee subsequently sought $1,081,382 in compensation for unlawful adverse action, as well as pecuniary penalties and written apologies from the CEO, the deputy CEO, his manager, and the HR officer, among others...