Drinks After Work: How a Hotel Manager’s Night out Cost Him His Job
In a case that has sparked debate about workplace conduct adn employer trust, an assistant manager at the Bastion hotel chain lost his job after two incidents during his first month in the role. The man, born in 1995, was summarily dismissed after being caught lying on a hotel bed during his shift and later joining colleagues for drinks on the hotel terrace outside working hours. While a court ruled that the immediate dismissal was too severe, the hotel was allowed to terminate his contract, leaving the man struggling to find new employment in the catering industry.
The Incidents That Led to Dismissal
The assistant manager’s troubles began when he was caught lying on a bed in a hotel room during an evening shift. According to the hotel’s rules, employees are not permitted to use guest rooms for personal reasons. The man claimed he was simply checking his phone, but the incident was witnessed by guests checking into the room.
Three days later, the man was involved in another breach of protocol.Invited by a fellow assistant manager, he returned to the hotel on his evening off to have drinks with colleagues on the terrace. Two hotel guests were also present. The night porter reported the gathering to the regional manager, and the situation escalated when one of the guests became aggressive.
Adding to the chaos, an underage on-call worker became unwell, likely due to alcohol consumption. The incident required police and an ambulance to be called. Although the assistant manager argued he was no longer present when the emergency services arrived, the damage to his employer’s trust was already done.
Court Ruling: A Mixed Outcome
The man took his case to court, seeking to reverse his dismissal. The court acknowledged that his behavior was “improper, indecent, and contrary to the rules,” but deemed the immediate dismissal too harsh. Though, the judges ruled that the hotel could terminate his contract as of February 1.
Despite this, the man is entitled to back wages and a transition payment. his gross monthly salary of 2,433 euros means he will receive approximately 17,000 euros in overdue wages. The transition payment, however, amounts to less than 800 euros, offering little consolation for the loss of his job.
The Aftermath: A Damaged Reputation
The assistant manager told the court that the circumstances of his dismissal have made it challenging to find new employment in the catering industry. His case highlights the delicate balance between workplace rules,employee conduct,and employer trust.| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Incident 1 | Caught lying on a hotel bed during shift |
| Incident 2 | Joined colleagues for drinks on hotel terrace outside working hours |
| Court Ruling | Immediate dismissal deemed too severe, but contract termination allowed |
| Compensation | ~17,000 euros in back wages, <800 euros transition payment |
lessons learned
This case serves as a cautionary tale for employees about the importance of adhering to workplace rules, even outside working hours. For employers, it underscores the need for clear policies and consistent enforcement.
For more insights into workplace conduct and legal rulings, explore the court’s decision in detail.
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