Courts / Dublin / Report

Manager at Luas operator said he wouldn't 'hire blacks or Indians', worker alleges

Summary

A former Luas employee, Matthew Cullen, claims a security manager at Transdev Dublin Light Rail Ltd said he would not hire black or Indian staff during a training session in April 2021. Cullen alleges the remarks were illegal and that he reported equipment faults and safety concerns that were ignored. He also says he was sent home after raising a health‑and‑safety issue about being rostered with only one guard. Transdev denies any penalisation or protected disclosure. An employment tribunal has issued an order preventing Cullen from discussing the case on his podcast until the Workplace Relations Commission decides the matter. The tribunal also ruled Cullen's secret recordings inadmissible and barred him from making further public comments about the case. The tribunal will issue a written decision later.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Manager at Luas operator said he wouldn't 'hire blacks or Indians', worker alleges. Charges or matters: whistleblower penalisation claims; breach of Protected Disclosures Act 2014; breach of Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• 27 April 2021 Other
• October 2021 Other
• 7 June Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-07-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report