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Police have dropped a theft charge against a Dunedin Subway worker who was sacked for sharing a drink with a friend during a break.
At a status hearing in Dunedin District Court this morning, police used their discretion and withdrew the theft charge against Jackie Lang.
Ms Lang was fired from her fulltime job and was to face a theft charge in court on May 21 after she shared a Diet Coke drink while consoling an upset friend.
Subway allows free soda and water to staff who are working.
However, police brought forward the status hearing to this morning and formally withdrew the charge.
Ms Lang said she was relieved to have the matter over with.
She said: "To have the police turn up at my house, take me to a cell and then tell me I was charged with theft was a real shock. I'm pleased my name has been cleared but I'm still not very happy about what happened.
"I'm just amazed at how many people came out to take my side over the way I was being treated. It's helped me feel like I'm not alone in this."
AWU organiser Bill Clark said the dropping of the charges showed common sense was finally winning out.
He said: "Seeking to charge Jackie over this was always an absurd and vindictive act on the part of Subway. It's just a shame it's taken international condemnation and a concerted local campaign to make them see that.
"We're hoping the good sense that's prevailed over the charges today continues through to the mediation we have now successfully sought with Subway's management.
"The fact remains that Subway sacked Jackie unlawfully and then added the stress of criminal charges. The company needs to be held to account for their behaviour."
Subway initially refused to comment on the issue, saying the matter was confidential between employer and employee.
However, the company issued a statement on Tuesday pointing out that all Subway restaurants were owned and operated individually by independent franchisees.
Dunedin's George St Subway was owned by Galcol Ltd.
Subway said Galcol had "expressed its continued willingness" to resolve the matter through mediation.
The AWU will enter mediation with Subway next week.
- NZPA, NZHERALD STAFF
