Freelancer gave a promotion and multiple pay rises to its vice president of operations and talent before he was sacked for allegedly complaining about an abusive colleague.

The ASX-listed technology company and its chief executive Matt Barrie are being sued by a former employee Matt O'Kane, who alleges he was unfairly sacked because he made complaints about the company's handling of a verbally and physically abusive colleague. The company and Mr Barrie say Mr O'Kane was sacked for performance and conduct issues.