Angry texts earn worker $2500 fine

A man will have to fork out $2500 after sending disparaging texts to a former manager that called a co-worker a "sycophantic sociopath". Photo / Thinkstock

A man will have to fork out $2500 after sending disparaging texts to a former manager that called a co-worker a "sycophantic sociopath".

Robert Beentjes entered an Employment Relations Authority (ERA) agreement with his former employer Jacks Hardware at Timber Ltd, trading as Mitre 10 Mega Mosgiel and Dunedin, in September last year, part of that included a sum of money.

Part of that agreement was to not "speak ill" of his former employer.

In December, Mr Beentjes sent text messages to his former manager about the director of the company. The text messages called the manager an "arsehole" and "greedy", and a staff member a "sycophantic sociopath".

Jacks Hardware went to the ERA and asked for repayment of the money given to Mr Beentjes when the agreement was made in September.

ERA member Christine Hickey disagreed that the full sum should be paid back, but did think Mr Beentjes' actions warranted a penalty.

Ms Hickey said in her decision released this week the breaches of the agreement were "flagrant and deliberate and ongoing".

"Mr Beentjes' emails ... make it clear that Mr Beentjes remains dissatisfied with the events leading up to the agreement and that is what has led to the texts."

Mr Beentjes could have faced a $10,000 fine for breaching the agreement, but Ms Hickey said the penalty should adequately reflect the authority's disapproval of such behaviour.

Mr Beentjes was ordered to pay $1500 to Jacks Hardware and $1000 to the ERA.