Former executive also alleging a 'culture of favouritism' at Woolworths
A former senior executive at Woolworths has launched Federal Court action against the supermarket giant, alleging workplace bullying, excessive working hours, and a culture of favouritism during her eight-year tenure with the company.
Jane Frewen, former director of facilities at Woolworths 360, filed her concise statement with the Federal Court in March, alleging she was constructively dismissed in February 2025 after enduring what she described as a "sustained and severe pattern of workplace bullying and harassment."
Frewen is suing Woolworths for adverse action, breaches of the Corporations Act, and breaches of Australian consumer law and contract.
Woolworths has confirmed it will contest the claim.
"Woolworths intends to defend the case," a company spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald. "As the matter is before the courts, we are unable to comment further."
According to documents filed with the Federal Court, and cited by media reports, Frewen was routinely required to work 12 to 14 hours on weekdays and one day on weekends, resulting in weeks of 70 hours during quieter periods and up to 90 hours during peak workloads.
She also alleges she worked every holiday period over the last six years of her employment, with requests for backfill consistently rejected.
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