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Atlassian Exec Fired After Calling CEO 'Rich Jerk'
18 Mar
Summary
- Engineer fired for calling CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes 'rich jerk'.
- Employee claims illegal firing for discussing workplace issues.
- Atlassian argues comments were irrelevant personal attacks.
A former Atlassian software engineer, Denise Unterwurzacher, has filed a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) after being fired in June 2023. She claims her termination was illegal, occurring just days after she posted comments on an internal Slack channel criticizing plans for company 're-levelling' which included job losses.
During a video call where CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes was addressing employee concerns, Unterwurzacher messaged colleagues, referring to the CEO's presence by stating, 'What's up Outragers, just dialling in from my NBA team's headquarters to yell at the people whose careers I've just pummelled.'
Atlassian stated Unterwurzacher was fired for 'acrimonious communications and ad hominem attacks.' However, the NLRB attorney argued that employees have the right to discuss and protest working conditions, even in ways their employers dislike. Atlassian's counsel countered that the comment was an 'irrelevant personal attack' not protected speech.
The legal battle unfolds as Cannon-Brookes recently laid off over 1,600 Atlassian workers, citing AI's impact on required skills. The NLRB judge's decision could potentially lead to Unterwurzacher's reinstatement if the firing is deemed illegal.
