When Rocco Manone took a holiday earlier this year, he expected to return to his job as a picker and packer at the Kmart Distribution Centre in Truganina.
But he didn’t. Employed by Toll Customised Solutions through a labour hire firm, Mr Manone was told his services were no longer needed.
He had worked for Toll for two and a half years.
A petition was launched, gaining the support of almost 200 of his former colleagues who called for the reinstatement of his employment.
The petition also attracted the support of more than 400 others.
“I just want my job back,” Mr Manone told Star Weekly. “I’ve got a family to support.
“I loved my job. I was never in trouble, hardly ever took any days off and always covered when others were taking time off.”
Mr Manone said it was humbling that his colleagues, and complete strangers, were throwing their support behind him returning to his job. “I must’ve been doing something right,” he said.
‘Going crazy’
“I’m now fearful I may not find another job because I’m 53. I’ve been in Australia for 45 years and never been unemployed in that time.
“I can’t sleep at night, I’m going crazy.”
A spokesman for Toll Customised Solutions said the company sourced casual labour for warehouses through various labour hire firms.
He said the amount of casual labour needed varied with demand.
“The person in question was sourced through a labour hire firm and has worked at a Toll workplace on a casual basis,” he said.
“Any petition or queries on this re-hiring need to be directed to the labour hire firm.”
