Jetstar Employee Sacked Over Alleged Workplace Conduct
A Jetstar maintenance worker has lost his appeal to be reinstated after being fired over alleged inappropriate behavior towards an apprentice. The case, which involved a series of incidents at Melbourne Airport, highlights the importance of maintaining professional conduct in the workplace.
Jarrod Mcrae, also known as Jack, was dismissed on July 29, 2025, following allegations that he made derogatory remarks and threatened a younger colleague. According to the airline, Mcrae reportedly called the apprentice a “pu**y” and asked, “Were you hit much as a kid?” These comments were part of a broader pattern of behavior that led to his termination.
Mcrae took legal action through the Fair Work Commission (FWC), arguing that the remarks were taken out of context and not directed solely at the apprentice. However, the FWC did not find definitive evidence that the comments were made, but it did consider the impact they had on the workplace environment.
During the hearing, the apprentice described feeling unsafe at work and feared that Mcrae might take physical action against him for speaking up. He stated, “Jarrod made me feel like coming to work was unsafe for me and that I should not voice my concerns in fear of being negatively perceived by him and others.”
Mcrae denied making the remarks or claimed they had been misinterpreted. In his defense, he suggested that the comments were not intended to target the apprentice specifically. However, FWC Deputy President Richard Clancy noted that even if the comments were made, they were considered bizarre and inane.
While the alleged taunts alone may not have justified dismissal, Mcrae’s actions during a third incident were deemed serious enough to warrant termination. The apprentice and another colleague were stranded on an elevated work platform five or six metres above the ground when Mcrae pressed an emergency stop button.
Mcrae claimed that he had pushed the button for operational reasons and that his failure to reactivate the platform was an unintentional error. However, the FWC found that he laughed and walked away despite knowing the potential danger to his colleagues. This behavior was described as reckless and in breach of the Cardinal Rules, which prohibit horseplay and practical jokes in the workplace.
At the time of his sacking, Mcrae had been working in the industry for 23 years, with the last two years spent at Jetstar. The FWC upheld the airline’s decision, stating that the dismissal was not harsh, unjust, or unreasonable.
“Having made findings in relation to each matter and given due weight to each, I am satisfied the dismissal was not harsh, unjust or unreasonable,” Mr. Clancy ruled.
