10.12.2025 11:21
A office worker in Spain was fired for "serious misconduct" for consistently arriving 40 minutes early to work and not adhering to workplace rules. The court upheld the employer's decision.
A 22-year-old office worker in Spain was fired for arriving excessively early to work instead of being late as usual. Despite being warned multiple times not to arrive at the workplace between 06:45 and 07:00, which is 40 minutes before the shift start time of 07:30 since 2023, the employee continued to disregard the instructions and maintained her routine.
ARRIVING EARLY DESPITE INSTRUCTIONS
The employer repeatedly informed the employee that she was not allowed to enter the building before working hours. However, the young woman continued to go to the office early, "waiting without doing any work." Her boss stated that he had lost patience as the employee consciously disregarded company rules and fired her for serious misconduct.
EMPLOYEE APPLIED TO COURT
The woman, who found her dismissal unjust, took the matter to court. However, the court emphasized that the employee did not comply with verbal and written warnings, and noted that although 19 other employees arrived early, only this employee systematically violated the rules. It was also found that on some days she attempted to log in through the company application even before reaching the office.
SEPARATE VIOLATION REGARDING COMPANY CAR BATTERY ALSO ENTERED THE FILE
The employer also accused the employee of selling a company car battery without permission. The court added this allegation to the file, considering it a sign of the employee's "disloyalty" tendency.
COURT: THE ISSUE IS NOT 'ARRIVING EARLY' BUT DISREGARDING RULES
According to a report in DailyMail, the court's decision emphasized that the discussion regarding the issue was not about "excessive punctuality." It was stated that the main problem was the employee's conscious violation of workplace rules. This behavior was described as a "serious violation" under Article 54 of the Spanish Labor Law.
SPARKED A DEBATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Following the news of the incident, a widespread debate began on social media. Many users reacted with surprise to the idea that arriving early could lead to dismissal.
On the other hand, employment experts reminded that companies have the right to strictly enforce access rules after clarifying them.