TCC SACKING ‘ NOT ON AGE’
OUT OF WORK: Roland de Chazal, 77, is unhappy after losing his job at the Magnetic Island Waste Transfer Station. A MAGNETIC Island man believes he was sacked by Townsville City Council for being “too old”. Roland de Chazal had worked at Magnetic Island Waste Transfer Station but recently his position was advertised and he was told to reapply. Mr de Chazal, 77, says he has been replaced by a younger worker. He had worked for the council for seven years, five of which he was employed as a contractor. “Two years ago when the council opened up the new facility they did away with contractors and asked me if I wanted the job,” he said. “I said yes because experienced in that job. “Now all of a sudden they decided they would put my job up for vacancy and I had to reapply. “I reapplied but unfortuna- I was tely I didn’t get it and they won’t give me a reason for it.
“But my boss told me my work was exemplary and I hadn’t had a day off in seven years. The only reason I can think of is because of my age. But they said no that’s discrimination. They won’t give me a reason why they’ve replaced me.
“Since then they’ve given me until September 14 and then a younger lady will take over my job.”
Mr de Chazal said he wanted to contact Fair Work – the nearest office is in Cairns – but he struggled due to his lack of internet skills.
The council’s chief financial officer Matt Thomson said Mr de Chazal was a temporary employee for Townsville City Council and had operated the gatehouse at the transfer station.
“During the recent restructure a permanent part- time role was created and advertised,” he said. “Mr de Chazal applied for the position and was interviewed along with other applicants as part of a merit- based selection process. Council does not apply any age restrictions in its employment conditions.”
Mr de Chazal said his work involved administration and security work.
He said he was “fit and able” to do the work.
“I want to keep working,” he said. “This has devastated me as I have a mortgage on my home and I have three years left to pay.”
He said there were limited jobs available on the island.
“Even in Townsville it’s difficult to get a job at my age,” he said. “Many of my dreams have now been shattered.”