Courts / Dublin / Report
Unite General Secretary has taken 'extraordinary position' that she's not amenable to Irish law, Ogle's layers tell WRC
Summary
The Workplace Relations Commission adjourned a hearing concerning Brendan Ogle's complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 against trade union Unite. Ogle alleges he was sidelined in 2022 following his return from cancer treatment, claiming a directive from general secretary Sharon Graham excluded him from a new Ireland strategy. His legal team applied to compel Ms. Graham to attend for questioning, arguing her position that she is not amenable to Irish law is extraordinary given her role and the union's Irish operations. Unite's counsel countered that the tribunal lacks jurisdiction to compel her attendance and that her evidence is unnecessary, citing a previous decision by adjudicator Kevin Baneham which refused to summon witnesses not called by the respondent. Counsel also referenced a comparison involving Tim Cook to illustrate that senior executives need not attend for policy changes. Adjudicator Elizabeth Spelman stated she would issue her decision on the application in writing before the next scheduled date. The matter was adjourned until that decision is communicated, and no final determination was reached at this stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Unite General Secretary has taken 'extraordinary position' that she's not amenable to Irish law, Ogle's layers tell WRC. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- Friday April 12 Other
- May 2022 Other
- 2024-05-03 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudicator Elizabeth Spelman said she would write to the parties with her decision on the application before the next scheduled date in the case and adjourned the matter until then.
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudicator Elizabeth Spelman said she would write to the parties with her decision on the application before the next scheduled date in the case and adjourned the matter until then.
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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