Australian commission rejects chef’s late claim after pineapple pizza dispute

An Italian chef’s workplace claim after he was dismissed for refusing to put pineapple on pizza has been dismissed by Australia’s Fair Work Commission. The ruling matters because it attracted international attention, but the commission did not decide whether the topping dispute was the reason for his dismissal.

Davide Tamburella was dismissed by Brisbane’s La Costa Restaurant and Bar on 20 May, after repeatedly refusing a direction to serve pineapple on pizza, which he said offended his Italian culture. His employer, Elliot Ingram, cited several other workplace concerns, including language and interactions with staff, and said a hand injury and related leave did not affect the decision. The commission rejected the claim because it was filed after the statutory deadline; the restaurant closed in June, and Tamburella has since become head chef at Don Gino.