Dublin Bus driver who's special arrangement 'ruffled feathers' loses discrimination claim

A bus driver has lost a discrimination claim against Dublin Bus at the Workplace Relations Commission over the withdrawal of a day-shift arrangement made to accommodate his sleep apnoea. Karl Griffin brought a complaint under the Employment Equality Act alleging disability discrimination and denial of reasonable accommodation. Dublin Bus had assigned him to daytime shifts on the number 17A route for approximately five years following his diagnosis, a pattern normally reserved for senior drivers. When the company lost the contract to operate that route, Mr Griffin was reassigned. Adjudicating officer Penelope McGrath found that while the accommodation had been medically recommended, it was not reasonable to expect the arrangement to continue indefinitely. Ms McGrath noted the complainant's refusal to accommodate his manager's proposals was unreasonable and dismissed the claim, finding he had failed to establish a prima facie case of discrimination.