Courts / Dublin / Report

Brendan Ogle would still have Unite role if he hadn't suffered with cancer, WRC told

Date
2024-06-19
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, Brendan Ogle's legal representative, Mary‑Paula Guinness BL, argued that Ogle would still hold a full role at Unite the Union if not for his cancer diagnosis. Ogle, who returned to work as Unite's senior officer for the Republic of Ireland after treatment for aggressive throat cancer, claims he was discriminated against because of his disability. Guinness cited evidence that a union employee stopped sending work to Ogle, though she said no one instructed her to do so. Unite's counsel, Mark Harty SC, contended that Ogle had refused available roles upon his return and that the evidence was being mischaracterised as a disability claim. Ogle's allegations include failure to provide reasonable accommodation, victimisation and harassment, and he has accused the union of excluding him from a new strategic plan for Ireland. The tribunal has heard conflicting accounts from Ogle and Tom Fitzgerald, who was promoted during Ogle's sick leave.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brendan Ogle would still have Unite role if he hadn't suffered with cancer, WRC told. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Why: She said Mr Ogle was discriminated against because of his disability and "had he not got cancer he would still have a full role". CNI source report

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report

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