Courts / Ireland / Report

Drivers who went unpaid during 'completely disorganised' closure of logistics firm win nearly €90k

Summary

The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Pharmtrans Direct Ltd to pay nearly €90,000 to twelve former drivers for multiple employment law breaches, including nonpayment of wages and unfair dismissal. The hearing concluded with adjudicator Catherine Byrne finding that the company's closure on 16 June 2023 was "completely disorganised" and that director Barry Saul's "failure to act responsibly" caused stress for the workers. Mr. Saul, who stated he had "no money to pay" due to a Revenue diversion of a €97,000 invoice, was criticised for dismissing staff on their payday without notice. The Commission upheld unfair dismissal complaints by eight employees with sufficient service, awarding loss of earnings between €1,384.60 and €3,000. Six employees qualified for statutory redundancy, receiving lump sums totaling €21,914.91, subject to Department of Social Protection confirmation. Additionally, Pharmtrans Direct was directed to pay €38,400.59 in outstanding net wages and holiday pay, and €9,313.30 in notice pay to eleven drivers. The total order amounts to €88,477.72. The complaints were brought by drivers including John Hayden, Shay Brady, and Michael Cahill, who testified that they were informed of the closure by their main client, Uniphar, after being promised a temporary wage payment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drivers who went unpaid during 'completely disorganised' closure of logistics firm win nearly €90k. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• Friday 16 June Other
• 16 June Other
• February 28th Other
• 16 June 2023 Other
• 2024-03-27 Publication

Why: The drivers considered a work stoppage, but stayed on the job because of the offer, Mr Hayden said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report