Italian chef sacked in Australia after refusing to make pineapple pizza

Davide Tamburella, a chef at Brisbane’s La Costa restaurant, was sacked in May after disagreements with management, including his refusal to make ham and pineapple pizzas, which he considered an insult to Italian culture. Australia’s Fair Work Commission recorded three such refusals over four years and also noted concerns about his language, communication and growing frustration at work. The commission rejected his unfair dismissal claim because it was filed outside the permitted timeframe; after his dismissal, the restaurant also stopped the visa sponsorship process he hoped would help him remain in Australia. La Costa has since closed, and Tamburella now works at another restaurant in Brisbane.