A pharmacy worker at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle has been awarded nearly $24,000 in compensation after being unfairly dismissed for allegedly stealing confectionery, including a cookie and sweets shared with colleagues.
Cheryl Sazdanoff, who had worked at Doc's Pharmacy for more than 14 years, was terminated in September 2025 after being accused of theft by company owner Aleksandar Gavriloski. The Fair Work Commission found the dismissal harsh, unjust, and unreasonable.
Commissioner Damian Sloan ruled that Ms Sazdanoff did not engage in theft, noting that CCTV footage showed she consumed items openly, often paying later or intending them to be shared and paid for by colleagues. The commission found no valid reason for her dismissal after 14 years of service without prior issues.
Ms Sazdanoff represented herself at the hearing, describing feeling overwhelmed and intimidated during the confrontation. The commission ordered DPL to pay compensation of $23,774.40 plus superannuation by the end of April.
The decision highlighted that another employee was dismissed around the same time, and almost all other staff received warnings for similar conduct, indicating Ms Sazdanoff was treated more harshly without justification.
