Courts / Ireland / Report
Pharma giant ordered to pay worker €35k for unfair sacking
2023-05-02
Hearing Or Decision
Summary
Pharma firm Abbott has been ordered to pay €35,000 in compensation to Martin O'Riordan after the Workplace Relations Commission found his dismissal for using the wrong cleaning product was unfair. The commission ruled that his actions could not be considered gross misconduct. However, it rejected claims that he was penalised for raising health and safety concerns. O'Riordan was suspended following the incident and faced a disciplinary process leading to his sacking in July 2020. Abbott argued that O'Riordan failed to follow procedures, including verifying the product's label and not engaging with supervisors or quality control technicians. The company claimed his actions damaged trust in its operations. The adjudicating officer noted O'Riordan's 14 years of experience and exemplary work record, stating it was difficult to understand why lesser sanctions were not considered. The officer also noted the impact of the dismissal on O'Riordan's job prospects and awarded the compensation accordingly.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pharma giant ordered to pay worker €35k for unfair sacking. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 1 April 2020 Other
- July 2020 Incident
- 2023-05-02 Publication
Topics
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