Man sacked over refusal to wear pants reinstated

A helicopter maintenance company has been ordered by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) to reinstate a man dismissed for wearing shorts instead of trousers.

Todd Curtis, 24, was fired from Airwork NZ on February 19 after he refused to wear trousers at work.

Mr Curtis suffered from eczema and the material used for the company's uniform aggravated his condition, the ERA report said.

Airwork NZ provided Mr Curtis with alternative shirts but declined his request to wear shorts instead of trousers.

Mr Curtis continued to wear shorts and was called to a formal disciplinary meeting with management.

At the meeting Mr Curtis presented a survey of 22 staff that showed the majority were not satisfied with the uniform's level of comfort.

Six employees asked to wear shorts.

Management was "not happy" with Mr Curtis canvassing colleagues to "support his defiance", the report said.

Mr Curtis eventually agreed to wear company trousers but only after they had been washed.

When Mr Curtis wore shorts to work the following day he was dismissed for a "loss of trust confidence issue".

ERA member Robin Arthur ordered Airwork NZ to reinstate him.

"Mr Curtis ... suffered a disproportionately severe sanction for a relatively minor uniform issue," he said.

- NZPA