Commission rules Coles' safety policy on threatening situations applied even outside store and during break
A Coles worker with 10 years' service at the supermarket's Pyrmont store in Sydney was sacked after holding a suspected shoplifter at a neighbouring liquor store while police were called.
But the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has now awarded him $6,483.51 in compensation, finding his dismissal harsh and unreasonable, even though FWC Deputy President Judith Wright ruled that Coles had a valid reason to dismiss him.
The dispute stems from an incident on 1 December 2025, when the worker saw two suspected shoplifters leave the store without paying while he was working an evening shift.
He described them as teenagers who regularly stole from the store and abused staff. He told the Commission he then took a break and spoke to the pair outside, asking them not to steal.
The pair then entered the adjoining Liquorland store, which is owned by the Coles Group, and began placing alcohol into cooler bags. He followed them in.
While the lone Liquorland staff member called police, he held one of them around the shoulders and upper body for about two minutes and 20 seconds as she pulled against him. He then let her go.
Coles suspended the worker on 3 December and directed him not to enter its stores. The next day, he returned to the Pyrmont store with a union delegate to ask for documentation about his suspension. Police were later called.
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