A logistics worker in Spain has lost a legal battle against her employer after she continued to leave work about 40 minutes early, despite numerous warnings to respect the start of her shift.
The 22-year-old was supposed to start work at 7:30 a.m., but she usually arrived between 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. According to Metro , she was warned verbally and in writing throughout 2023, but her behavior did not change. Even after formal disciplinary measures, the 22-year-old continued to arrive early at least 19 more times. In some cases, she even tried to log in to the company app before physically entering the office.
The employer decided to fire her for serious disciplinary misconduct, arguing that the problem was her persistent disobedience to clear rules and instructions. The company also raised another concern for breach of trust: the employee allegedly sold a used company vehicle battery without authorization.
The Social Court of Alicante ruled in favor of the company. According to the decision, the issue was not related to the fact that the employee left early, but because she repeatedly refused to respect the established schedule and rules, behavior that is considered a serious violation under article 54 of the Workers' Statute in Spain.
