A warehouse worker who was sacked after being accused of making Michael Jackson-style noises has won an employment tribunal and will receive more than £10,000 in compensation.
Lucasz Zawadzki worked at a Co-Operative warehouse in Manchester. In December 2023, one of his colleagues, identified as SM, complained that Mr. Zawadzki had been making “hee hee” noises, similar to those made by the pop star Michael Jackson. The colleague, who is black, also claimed that Mr. Zawadzki made monkey noises and was being racist.
Mr. Zawadzki admitted he sometimes made strange sounds at work, which he himself described as “embarrassing and childish.” However, he denied that the noises were racist or aimed at bullying anyone. He said they were not directed at his colleague at all.
Following the complaint, the Co-Operative suspended Mr. Zawadzki and later dismissed him under its bullying and harassment policy.
The case went to tribunal, where Judge Carol Porter said that while Mr. Zawadzki’s behavior was “juvenile and inappropriate,” there was no proof that it was racist, offensive, or specifically targeted at his colleague. The judge also pointed out that he had not been warned about this type of behaviour before, and dismissal was too harsh a punishment.
As a result, the tribunal ruled in Mr. Zawadzki’s favor and ordered the Co-Operative to pay him over £10,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal.
This case highlights the importance of companies acting carefully and fairly when dealing with complaints of bullying and harassment, ensuring they have clear evidence before making serious decisions, such as dismissal.
Interestingly, this case comes to light on what would have been Michael Jackson’s birthday. The “King of Pop” remains one of the most influential entertainers in history, remembered not only for his music and performances but also for his humanitarian work. His legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide.
