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Multinational fast-food giant Subway is distancing itself from one of its own franchises in the fall-out from the dismissal of a Dunedin employee.
Jackie Lang, who suffers from Asperger's syndrome, was fired from her full-time job and faces theft charges in Dunedin District Court after she shared a soft drink while consoling an upset friend during a break. Subway allows free soda and water while staff are working.
News of the dismissal has caused outrage amongst food worker unions and students in Dunedin.
The Otago University branch of the Labour Party yesterday organised a protest targeting the Subway fast-food restaurant in George St, and called for a nationwide boycott of the chain.
The branch said about 50 people attended the protest, and about 200 people signed a petition.
"Just talking to people around campus, people are pretty shocked by what happened," a branch spokeswoman said. "I think it's really brought the Dunedin community together, to stand up for this woman's rights, and for the rights of workers in general."
Subway said yesterday Subway restaurants were owned and operated by independent franchisees.
"As a franchisor, the Subway chain provides guidance in menu and operational matters," the fast-food operator said. "It is not involved in matters between the franchisee and staff."
The decision to fire Ms Lang was made by the owner of the Subway George Street store, Galcol. Subway said Galcol continued to be willing to resolve the matter via mediation.
The Autonomous Workers Union is raising money to help Ms Lang, who has taken a personal grievance action against Subway.
- NZPA
