Resolved complaint (216) about age discrimination in employment
Learn how a complaint (216) about age discrimination in employment was resolved through conciliation.
Summary
- Year: 2025
- Relevant Act: Age Discrimination Act; Disability Discrimination Act
- Grounds: Age; Disability
- Area(s): Employment
- Settlement terms:
- Employment - reinstated
- Employment - revised terms and conditions
About the complaint
The complainant is 48 years of age and has a learning disability. He said he had been working at a fast food outlet for over 10 years, with multiple shifts per week in the last few years. The complainant alleged that when a new owner took over the franchise, managers significantly reduced his shifts in favour of younger workers, particularly those under 18 years of age. He also alleged that managers treated him less favourably because of his age and disability, including by not interacting with him, implying that he was slow and incapable and not offering him the same training, support and opportunities as other workers.
The franchise owner denied the allegations and said aspects of the complaint were inaccurate. The franchise owner said it offered a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the franchise owner double the complainant’s shifts.
Guidance on the use of these summaries
This is a summary of a selected complaint that has been resolved through our conciliation process. It's designed to help people better understand how complaints might be resolved and what outcomes are possible.
These summaries are for general guidance only and are not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, you should seek independent legal support.
Please note:
- all complaints are de-identified
- complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
- some content may include confronting or offensive language.
