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Coach manager says driver's dismissal was not related to complaints over alleged safety defects
Summary
In a tribunal hearing on 19 July 2024, a senior manager of Dublin Coach, John O'Sullivan, explained that the dismissal of driver Nico Holloway on 5 January was due to declining performance and a perceived threat of a mass exodus of drivers, not because of any protected disclosures about safety defects. Holloway, a South African haulier, had alleged that he reported safety defects on company buses that were not rectified and that he was subsequently penalised, including a flight booking to Cape Town and a deduction from his severance payment. O'Sullivan denied that the flight or deduction were related to Holloway's safety concerns, stating they were "nothing to do" with any alleged protected disclosures. He also highlighted that the company's buses had passed roadworthiness tests and that maintenance was carried out by qualified mechanics. The tribunal heard evidence from former drivers who claimed defects were logged but not addressed, and from a driver who noted recent defects.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Coach manager says driver's dismissal was not related to complaints over alleged safety defects. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 5 January Other
- 10 January Other
- December 2023 Other
- 2024-07-19 Publication
Why: He added that there had been "no penalisation because the reasons for dismissal are unconnected to the alleged protected disclosures". CNI source report
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