An Italian chef's refusal to put pineapple on a pizza was among several reasons why he was sacked from a Brisbane restaurant.
Davide Tamburella lost an unfair dismissal claim at Australia's Fair Work Commission after being fired from the now-closed La Costa restaurant in May of this year.
Among the reasons for his dismissal was Tamburella's refusal to provide ham and pineapple pizza for guests at a function.
Tamburella told his employer that putting pineapple on pizza was an "insult to his culture". Queensland is seen as Australia's pineapple capital.
He said the direction to make the pizza didn't need to be followed when it was offensive to his culture, and told his employer to research the importance, for Italians, of not putting the fruit on the dish.
Tamburella admitted it was the third time in four years he had refused the request.
The Commission's report also detailed how the chef suffered multiple fractures in his hand when he struck a metal handrail.
Other reasons for Tamburella's sacking included using foul language, his communication style, and prior examples of "escalation of frustration in the workplace".
Tamburella had been given a written warning to comply with management expectations and employment obligations.
Management also had "ongoing concerns regarding leadership behaviour, professionalism, emotional regulation during service, and compliance with workplace direction”.
The chef had been hoping the restaurant would sponsor a visa for him to become a permanent resident in Australia – a process that was ended after his sacking.
Tamburella's unfair dismissal challenge was ultimately unsuccessful, with the Commission finding the application had been lodged outside the statutory deadline.
La Costa Restaurant and Bar managing director Elliott Ingram told the Daily Mail the case wasn't just about a pizza topping.
"As recorded in the Fair Work Commission’s published decision, refusing to follow a management direction relating to a customer request was one of several matters raised during the disciplinary process," he said.
"The decision records the concerns we raised about inappropriate language, escalation during service and interactions with staff.
"Our position in the proceedings was that Mr Tamburella’s workplace injury, medical leave and workers’ compensation claim played no part in our decision to end his employment."
According to his LinkedIn profile, Tamburella is now working as head chef at a restaurant called Don Gino in Brisbane's West End. There are no pizzas with pineapple on its menu.
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