Reuters reporter fights PIP dismissal in court, wins

Cowan, who covers technology, media and telecommunications, had a three-month Performance Improvement Plan imposed early this year and at the end of it was told that her contract was being terminated. She challenged the grounds for a dismissal and under worker-friendly Dutch labour laws the employer has to take the case to the courts to obtain clearance if the employee does not agree to the discharge.     

A hearing took place in June, the main plank in the company’s argument being that Cowan’s raw copy contained too many typos and spelling mistakes. Last week a judge ruled against her dismissal.

Cowan joined Reuters in January 2011 from Dow Jones where she covered European companies and also contributed to The Wall Street Journal. ■