Hope Subway sales plummet.
Posted at 1:49 PM, 10/5/2007
http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Drink-share-worker-gets-a-reprieve/2007/05/10/1178390437924.html
Drink share worker gets a reprieve
Theft charges have been dropped against a New Zealand fast-food worker who shared a free soft drink with a friend.
Jackie Lang, a mildly autistic worker at a Subway restaurant in Dunedin, was sacked after sharing her complimentary drink with a friend.
Her story became international news when Lang, aged in her 30s, was charged by police with theft after management reviewed video surveillance that showed she had shared the drink, worth about $NZ4 ($A3.50).
Workers at the store are given drinks for free and Lang never denied sharing hers while on a break with a friend, who had entered the store upset.
Following a meeting with management Lang was suspended and after she filed a personal grievance claim the company went to police.
A statement from the Autonomous Workers Union (AWU) said charges against Lang have now been dropped at the Dunedin District Court.
Bill Clark, from the AWU, said Lang had now found a new job in a call centre and would not seek to be rehired by Subway.
He said mediation with the fast-food restaurant will begin on Monday and the union will seek financial compensation for Lang for lost income, stress and humiliation.
Placard-waving protesters targeted the store after her sacking and a rally in her support is planned for Auckland on Saturday.
Franchisee with the Dunedin Subway, Rob Nicol, did not immediately return phone calls on Wednesday.