Courts / Ireland / Report
RTE cleared of liability over €300k sex harassment case
2023-10-05
Hearing Or Decision
Summary
In a case brought under the Employment Equality Act 1998, multimedia journalist Kasia Czernik claimed that RTÉ discriminated against her after she was sexually harassed by veteran night‑shift anchor Noel Fogarty. The harassment, consisting of texts, emails and attempted phone calls from 18 May to 21 June 2021, led to Fogarty's dismissal in September 2021. Czernik alleged that RTÉ failed to assure her that the harassment would not continue and that it breached the Act by not disclosing the disciplinary sanction imposed on Fogarty. She sought €300,000 in compensation, half for the mental, emotional and physical impact of the harassment and half for five years' worth of her salary. The Workplace Relations Commission rejected her complaint, finding that while she was sexually harassed, RTÉ had not discriminated against her. The tribunal concluded that RTÉ had acted appropriately by investigating the complaint and taking reasonable steps to prevent further harassment. The case was decided by WRC adjudicator Maria Kelly.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: RTE cleared of liability over €300k sex harassment case. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- September 2021 Incident
- Monday June 21 Other
- March 2022 Other
- 2023-10-05 Publication
Why: The Workplace Relations Commission has rejected multimedia journalist Kasia Czernik's complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 against the State broadcaster, in which she alleged she was forced to abandon her career in journalism there because of what happened. CNI source report
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