Former executive also alleging a 'culture of favouritism' at Woolworths
A former senior executive at Woolworths has launched Federal Court action against the supermarket giant, alleging workplace bullying, excessive working hours, and a culture of favouritism during her eight-year tenure with the company.
Jane Frewen, former director of facilities at Woolworths 360, filed her concise statement with the Federal Court in March, alleging she was constructively dismissed in February 2025 after enduring what she described as a "sustained and severe pattern of workplace bullying and harassment."
Frewen is suing Woolworths for adverse action, breaches of the Corporations Act, and breaches of Australian consumer law and contract.
Woolworths has confirmed it will contest the claim.
"Woolworths intends to defend the case," a company spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald. "As the matter is before the courts, we are unable to comment further."
Allegations against Woolworths
According to documents filed with the Federal Court, and cited by media reports, Frewen was routinely required to work 12 to 14 hours on weekdays and one day on weekends, resulting in weeks of 70 hours during quieter periods and up to 90 hours during peak workloads.
She also alleges she worked every holiday period over the last six years of her employment, with requests for backfill consistently rejected.
"Even while on leave, [Frewen] was consistently required to work, and her attendance was required at meetings ... even when other team members were available," her filing states.
Frewen alleges the bullying was perpetrated primarily by Rob McCartney, managing director of Woolworths 360, and included being publicly belittled at leadership meetings.
At one such meeting, after Frewen raised a new policy proposal that had been commended by industry bodies, McCartney allegedly responded: "no offence, it is like turkeys voting for Christmas."
Her lawyers also allege Frewen was paid approximately one-third of the salary of a male colleague in a comparable role, and that despite being verbally told her title would be elevated to managing director around August or September 2022, that change never occurred despite three formal requests.
"Throughout her employment, [Frewen] also observed that a clear 'boys' club' culture, or at the very least, a culture of favouritism existed," her Federal Court filing states, citing an internal recruitment process in which a preferred candidate was effectively pre-appointed to a role.
Among the more serious allegations, Frewen claims that following the death of a contractor at a Woolworths facility in Newcastle in 2022, she was made responsible for coordinating funeral arrangements, flights, transport, and ongoing communication with the deceased's family.
"At no stage was any proper recognition provided regarding the significant emotional impact that this process had. Nor was any support actively provided to her," her filing states, as quoted by the AFR.
McCartney allegedly also told the team they would not receive a bonus as a result of the contractor's death.
Frewen began receiving mental health treatment in November 2024 and was admitted to a rehabilitation centre for burnout.
"For years, I raised concerns through the proper channels, only to have them dismissed or turned back on me," Frewen said in a statement issued by her legal team at Harmers Workplace Lawyers.
"I came forward because I believe what happened to me is not isolated – and because others deserve better. I hope that by speaking out, other women in corporate Australia feel empowered to do the same."
Previous cases against Woolworths
Frewen is the second former Woolworths executive to bring court action over alleged overwork.
Miwah Van, a former chief growth officer, sued the company late last year alleging she was forced to work up to 120 hours a week and was overlooked for a promotion after being diagnosed with cancer. Woolworths is also defending that case.
The supermarket has also featured in a recent Fair Work Commission matter. A Victorian casual employee filed an unfair dismissal claim after a co-worker told him, in blunt terms, to cover his exposed bum crack during a shift, The Guardian reported.
Deputy President Alan Colman dismissed the application, finding no dismissal had ever taken place and describing it as a speculative claim made in pursuit of a monetary settlement. It was the complainant's fifth application to the commission in two years.
