AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been ordered to pay more than $72,000 for throwing a rockstar tantrum and sacking his restaurant workers.
Three employees of Phil’s Place in Tauranga were left so distressed and humiliated by the incident they became depressed, and struggled to find new employment.
In its decision, the Employment Relations Authority found Alice Kiwa, Janelle Kiwa and Hayden Clark were all unjustifiably dismissed by Rudd.
On July 18, 2012, Rudd went to his restaurant and asked Clark for an antipasto platter to be delivered to his boat.
But his security guard came in and said the meal should be taken to Rudd’s aircraft hangar instead.
An angry Rudd later kicked the back door of the restaurant in saying, “where is my f***en meal”. He yelled at staff, “you’re all f***en useless”, “you’re all f***en fired” and told them to drop what they’re doing.
He then kicked the rubbish tin and left the restaurant, slamming the door.
Two days later a meeting was held at Rudd’s lawyer’s offices, where his accountant apologised on his behalf. Alice and Janelle Kiwa could not attend that meeting.
Another meeting was held to discuss the future of the restaurant, and employees were told Rudd’s preference was to close over the winter.
