Amazon Australia denies unlawful termination allegation

Allegations that Amazon Australia fired an assistant to one of its top local executives for asking to work flexible hours are untrue, according to a spokesperson for Amazon Australia.

The e-commerce company is being sued by former employee, Rachel Shafner, for unlawful termination, as first reported on Sunday by The Age.

The spokesperson for Amazon Australia told IR on Monday that they were unable to comment further, as the matter is before the court.

Shanfer alleges she was fired for applying for more flexible hours in order to pick up her children from school while her husband was sick in hospital.

According to The Age report, approximately one month after Shafner applied for flexible working conditions, she was told her role would no longer exist due to a “restructure” and that no alternative positions were available and her employment would be terminated with immediate effect.

Paul Horvath Solicitor, Shafner’s representation in the proceedings, told IR her termination was not a case of genuine redundancy as asserted but unlawful action taken by Amazon in response to her request for a flexible work arrangement. They are arguing it constitutes discrimination on the grounds of her parental responsibilities.

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