Nirmal Singh, an aviation worker, told the Fair Work Commission that his dismissal by previous employer Aerocare was unfair and he should get $7000 in lost wages.
Nirmal Singh had written “We All Support ISIS” above a shared post from Hizb ut-Tahrir – Australia.
The post was in relation to the shooting of police accountant Curtis Cheng by Farhad Khalil Mohammad Jabar in Sydney, New South Wales.
Islamic State Militant Source: Supplied
Under cross-examination, Nirmal Singh said he made the posts on Facebook under a different name, and believed he was conversing with a “secret group,” reports news.com.au
Two other employees of Aerocare, Facebook friends with Nirmal Singh, raised concerns about the posts with their manager.
Australian Federal Police, Perth Airport and the “client airline” of Aerocare were also made aware of the posts.
Last October, Aerocare terminated Nirmal Singh’s employment for breach of their social media policy.
They also demanded that Nirmal Singh return his airside security pass to Perth Airport for cancellation.
Nirmal Singh, at the Fair Work Commission hearing, argued that the posts were “sarcastic” in nature and he did not support Islamic State.
Perth Airport Source: WikiCommons
He added that the posts were deleted from his Facebook “alias” profile after meeting with his manager.
“There were concerns I understood and I addressed those concerns by offering to delete the posts and the profile but how they breached the social media policy, I don’t understand,” Nirmal Singh told the FWC hearing.
On being asked if he was aware Australia was on high alert for a terrorist attack which was currently rated “probable”.
Nirmal Singh answered - “Absolutely and I support that.”
On another question - “In relation to ISIS itself you accept that it’s currently listed as a terrorist organisation on the Australian National Security Register?”
“Absolutely and I’m in support of that,” Nirmal Singh responded.
Nirmal Singh was unable to provide any evidence to support his claim discrimination was a factor in his dismissal.
Source: Fair Work Commission
Nirmal Singh confirmed his airside access had been reinstated by Perth Airport.
This means he could now once again work with the airline that had requested he not be used to handle their freight.
The hearing was adjourned and the decision would be made after hearing some more submissions.
