Italian chef fired in Australia over refusal to serve pineapple pizza

An Italian chef has been fired in Australia for refusing to put pineapple on a pizza, arguing that doing so would be an insult to his culture. The country's Fair Work Commission has upheld the dismissal.

The commission rejected an appeal filed by Davide Tamburella, who was dismissed from a restaurant in Queensland, Australia, after refusing to prepare a pineapple pizza, The Guardian reported.

According to the Fair Work Commission, Tamburella refused to fulfil the order for a third time, suggesting instead that the restaurant owner consider how important it is to Italians not to put pineapple on pizza, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

Tamburella argued that his dismissal violated Australia's Fair Work Act. He also claimed that the decision was partly motivated by a workplace injury he had suffered after hitting a metal railing and fracturing his right hand in two places.

However, Jennifer Hunt of the Fair Work Commission said the appeal had been submitted late and that there were no grounds for establishing "exceptional circumstances".

The restaurant's lease expired in July, leading to the closure of the establishment.

Tamburella now works at another Italian restaurant where pineapple is not included on the menu.

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