Text message exchanges demonstrate clear termination intention by manager
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with a worker's dismissal allegation, saying that she was fired over text messages by her manager.
The case arose when the worker notified her manager about illness-related absence, leading to heated text message exchanges about work reliability and communication methods that culminated in statements, directing the worker to find alternative employment.
The worker argued she was dismissed through clear statements telling her to find another job and removal from company group chats, interpreting these actions as termination of her employment.
The employer contested this version, maintaining that discussions focused on finding solutions to accommodate the worker's needs while addressing concerns about attendance patterns and communication preferences, arguing that no formal dismissal occurred.
The employment relationship deteriorated when the worker sent text messages on 4 June 2025 notifying her manager about fever symptoms preventing work attendance and requesting colleague coverage for her shift.
The manager expressed concerns about what she perceived as a pattern of Thursday absences and suggested permanently transferring those shifts to another employee who was willing to take over.
The worker responded defensively to suggestions about dropping Thursday schedules, questioning why illness notification...
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