Chef fired over pineapple pizza
The gist
Italian chef Davide Tamburella was fired from a Brisbane restaurant after refusing to put pineapple on pizza.
Australia's Fair Work Commission then dismissed his unfair dismissal claim as filed too late.
How it unfolded
- Apr 2026Tamburella fractured bones in his right hand when he struck a metal hand rail at work, per the ruling.
- May 2026Tamburella was fired from La Costa about a fortnight after a meeting with management who had a string of complaints about his behaviour, including his refusal to provide ham and pineapple pizza for guests at a function.
- After the firingThe restaurant ended the process of sponsoring Tamburella's visa that allows skilled workers to become permanent residents.
Key terms
- unfair dismissal claim
- Termination of employment without good reason or in violation of a country's labour legislation.
- Fair Work Commission
- Australia's industrial relations tribunal that rules on workplace disputes and employment matters.
Source: Wikipedia