Dad is sacked after pulling sickie to take his son to Wiggles concert
His workmate showed a picture from the show to their boss
- by
Kathryn Lewsey
A dad who faked a sickie to take his son to the Wiggles has been sacked – after his workmate told their boss.
Sean Mamo, who works for Toyota in Yarrawonga, Victoria, rang the company on June 28, saying he had to take care of his sick son.
But really, the dad was going to take his boy to The Wiggles concert.
His colleague showed a photo to their boss, which was of Mr Mamo at the event.
Approaching the dad and questioning why he lied, Mr Mamo denied that he falsely claimed personal leave but did admit to going to the show.
He explained how he didn’t take annual leave as he didn’t think it would be granted.
According to the Daily Mail, management of the dealership lost their faith in Mr Mamo from the incident and terminated his role.
Despite appealing to the Fair Work Commission over an unfair dismissal, it was rejected.
Fair Work Deputy President Alan Coleman said, ‘That falsely claiming person leave amounts to misconduct scarcely requires an explanation however I will provide one.
‘First claiming person leave to which one is not entitled is dishonest, and therefore a breach of the employee’s duty of good faith. Secondly, it seeks to obtain financial advantage by deception, by claiming payment for an absence on the basis of a false assertion.’
He continued, ‘Thirdly, it asserts a legitimate right to be absent from work when none in fact exists.’
Mr Colman ruled the dismissal was not harsh, unjust or unreasonable and ultimately ‘not unfair.’
Kathryn Lewsey
Kathryn is a Senior Features Writer for that's life! magazine. Her work has been published in The Sun, Daily Mail, Chat, Closer, Kidspot, Real People, Take a Break and MarieClaire.com.au
