Refusing redeployment outright cost this 57-year-old his job and his Fair Work case

A 57-year-old store manager turned down a redeployment offer and lost his unfair dismissal bid after the Fair Work Commission found his employer had complied with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code.

The Fair Work Commission handed down its decision on 24 April 2026, dismissing the claim of George Grech, a long-serving store manager at Maribyrnong Carpet Court. The employer, Matheson & Osman Pty Ltd, operates four franchises selling carpet and flooring to commercial and domestic customers, each under a different corporate entity. Commissioner Tran found the employer had complied with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code, even though no written warning was ever issued.

Grech had been with the business since 15 October 2018, starting as a Sales Consultant before stepping up to Customer Relations Manager / Store Manager around 2022/2023. According to the decision, the Maribyrnong store was the lowest performer among the four showrooms under director Sean Osman's management — Maribyrnong, Essendon, Coburg and Abbotsford. From August and September 2024, Osman began raising performance concerns and suggesting fixes, including how to follow customers up. Discussions resumed in January, February and March 2025, with Osman suggesting approaches such as approaching real estate agents for commercial work. Grech agreed there were regular weekly catch-ups about the store's performance, often by...

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