Scott McIntyre, who was fired in April this year from his journalist role at SBS for a series of tweets about the Anzacs, is suing SBS for discrimination.
When McIntyre was dismissed, SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid and Director of Sport Ken Shipp said in a statement that “respect for Australian audiences is paramount at SBS,” and that it was vital to maintain “the integrity of the network and audience trust” on social media, but, McIntyre’s tweets had “compromised both.”
However, a claim was recently filed with the Fair Work Commission by law firm Maurice Blackburn on behalf of McIntyre, who believe that his dismissal went against the Fair Work Act. In a statement to news.com.au, the firm specified how:
“Section 351 of the Fair Work Act protects employees from adverse action by their employer (including sacking) if they express political opinion.
“It is alleged SBS took action without a proper investigation and consideration of all relevant issues. It will be contended that Mr McIntyre had an unblemished work record and if a proper process had been followed, he would still be employed in his chosen career.”
The claim alleges that SBS breached its policies, including its own Code of Conduct, and did not follow due process by dismissing McIntyre.
Maurice Blackman‘s statement also made sure to note that the case is “not about whether Mr. McIntyre’s opinions are correct or not,” and is instead about “whether the views expressed by Mr McIntyre constituted political opinion and whether SBS terminated his employment for expressing these views.”
via news.com.au
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