Company must pay worker €52,000 after sacking him over fear of flying
The fear of flying affects an estimated 500 million people worldwide. Some of those people fly despite their fear, sometimes […]
The Bologna Court of Appeal has overturned a previous decision in favor of Bergami Packaging Solutions, dismissing Giuseppe Capoluongo for his failure to obtain a passport due to his severe fear of flying. Capoluongo, a cabling technician with the company since 2002, had previously informed them of his aerophobia and provided a medical certificate.
For over 12 years, he was never asked to travel abroad. However, in 2024, the company repeatedly requested he obtain a passport for potential overseas assignments. Capoluongo, believing the previous agreement still applied, refused, citing his fear of flying. The company dismissed him on March 27, 2024, treating his non-compliance as a disciplinary matter.
The appeal court ruled that the dismissal was disproportionate, considering Capoluongo's long-standing condition and the arrangement followed for years. They agreed the company had a legitimate request, but found his dismissal unjustified due to the circumstances. Capoluongo was awarded compensation of approximately €52,000, equivalent to 20 months of his final salary, plus additional payments for notice, interest, and inflation adjustments.
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