An Italian chef working in Brisbane has had his claim for unfair dismissal rejected after he refused to include pineapple on pizzas, stating it was an "insult to his culture." Davide Tamburella was dismissed from La Costa Restaurant and Bar in Fortitude Valley on May 20.
Two weeks prior to his dismissal, Mr. Tamburella met with his employer to discuss performance issues. A key point of contention was his refusal to add pineapple to pizzas for a function, despite being directed to do so by his boss, Elliot Ingram. Mr. Tamburella reportedly acknowledged this was the third time in four years he had refused such a directive, arguing that for him, as an Italian, putting pineapple on pizza was culturally offensive. He also suggested his boss research the cultural significance some Italians attach to this culinary stance.
Other reasons cited for his dismissal included an incident on April 24, where he fractured his fingers after striking a metal handrail, and "acknowledged use of inappropriate language and escalation of the situation during service." The details of Mr. Tamburella's departure were outlined in a Fair Work Commission ruling published on November 3 by Commissioner Jennifer Hunt.
Commissioner Hunt dismissed Mr. Tamburella's challenge because the application was filed outside the statutory 21-day deadline. He had lodged his application in July, after this period had expired. According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Tamburella has since taken on the role of head chef at Don Gino in West End.
