Courts / Dublin / Report

Britvic ordered to take back shop steward after WRC finds 'no evidence whatsoever' he threw punch

Date
2023-05-31
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Britvic has been ordered to reinstate Anthony O'Brien, a shop steward with 24 years of service, following a decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that found 'no evidence whatsoever' he threw a punch during an altercation outside the firm's west Dublin plant on 12 May 2021. The WRC adjudicating officer, Breiffni O'Neill, found procedural unfairness in Britvic's investigation, noting that the precise allegations were not put to O'Brien and that additional allegations were made during the disciplinary process. O'Neill stated that the sacking was both procedurally and substantively unfair, emphasizing that no training had been provided to staff on the firm's dignity at work policy. The matter was heard under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, with the order becoming effective on 15 May 2023. Fergus Dwyer of Ibec, representing Britvic, argued that O'Brien's actions had destroyed the company's trust and confidence, while Dave Curran of Siptu, representing O'Brien, contended that the CCTV footage showed O'Brien was moving away and that he was the victim of an assault. The Trade Union also participated in the proceedings. The case was not adjourned and was concluded at the hearing_or_decision stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Britvic ordered to take back shop steward after WRC finds 'no evidence whatsoever' he threw punch. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: He noted that this officer examined the CCTV footage and came to the view that Mr X fell because Mr O'Neill pushed him. CNI source report

Case subjects

Dave Curran

Applicant

Fergus Dwyer

Applicant

Trade Union

Applicant

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request