Company can't fire man for 15 cent theft
The court ruled that dismissal was disproportionate to the offence
A German company that fired a man for the theft of 1.8 euro cents (15 SA cents) worth of electricity had no grounds for sacking him, a court ruled, dismissing the firm's appeal against his reinstatement.
Network administrator Oliver Beel lost his job after charging his Segway, a two-wheeled electric vehicle, at work in May 2009. After he connected the vehicle to the firm's power source for 1-1/2 hours, his boss asked him to remove it.
Twelve days later Beel found himself without a job.
The court ruled that dismissal was disproportionate to the offence, especially given the "minimal electricity cost involved, the plaintiff's 19-year employment by the company and the fact other employees charged mobile phones and digital photo frames at the firm's expense without punishment".
1malesia
I wonder how many 1.8 euro worth of electricity he has taken over the years?! This company should practise consistency!Report Abuse
Lolofontain
Jeez i mean the poor guy can be forgiven 15cent can be replacedReport Abuse
boledi
Mara crime/theft has no levels or conditions, he needs to be disciplined coz it might get worse than what it is, and it might even be a different culprit this time.Report Abuse
QueenB
@Kuku: u hav an IQ of a keyboard wa tena ausi!!! no one shud b fired for 15 cents silly galReport Abuse
Blackbutterfly
15 cent bafethu! abamxolele - we see 10 cents on the ground everyday but we never pick them up - its nothing maanReport Abuse
Stonepy
Theft is theft & there shud be a punishment,maar 15c bafowetho...cmon!!!Mara his dom, ppl steal millions and some get away with it.
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Mthizozo
That guy has done nothing, companies must fire people like the lot of you reading stories on line and commenting crab during working hours. Wena Blackbutterfly you're rich huh; you dont pick up 10cents on the way; I wish I were youReport Abuse
I haven't seen a contract that says Theft is a crime but 15cents is not.
Imagine if we all steal 15cents - how much will that be????
And IQ for keyboard, maybe it's becuase i work on my own pace UNLIKE U...I don't have lekgowa sitting next to me or sending me e-mails on what to do...I have ppl like u working for me....
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