Courts / Ireland / Report

Photographer who accused professional body of 'jobs for boys' attitude fails in claim

Summary

Norma Burke, a photojournalist, brought a gender discrimination claim against Press Photographers Ireland CLG (PPI) to the Workplace Relations Commission, alleging the organisation's "jobs for boys" attitude and membership rules discriminated against women. Burke argued that PPI's requirement for members to be "full‑time" press photographers—earning 80% of their income from editorial work—indirectly discriminated against women who are more likely to work part‑time, study full‑time, or have childcare responsibilities. She also claimed direct discrimination through dismissive, gendered remarks in email exchanges. PPI, represented by Elaine Davern‑Wiseman BL, countered that it had no defined "full‑time" criteria and that it was exempt from equality legislation because it did not provide a public service. The tribunal found Burke had no standing to claim direct discrimination and that the membership criteria were not discriminatory, dismissing her claims as not well founded. The decision was issued by WRC adjudicator Kara Turner on 8 November 2024.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Photographer who accused professional body of 'jobs for boys' attitude fails in claim. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• September 2023 Other
• 2024-11-08 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

Read the original CNI report