Courts / Cork / Report
Fitter fired after he 'lost the head' over apprentice's prank wins €31k
Summary
A tribunal ruled that a "culture of horseplay" at a pharmaceutical plant was not properly considered when Thermo Fisher Scientific Cork Ltd dismissed fitter John O'Brien after he threw waste oil at an apprentice's tools in response to a prank. The tribunal found O'Brien's reaction "undoubtedly" unacceptable and held him 50% responsible for his dismissal, but noted that the disciplinary process should have examined the company's tolerance for horseplay. O'Brien, who had worked at the plant for eight years, claimed he was tired, stressed and "lost the head" after his phone was hidden by apprentice Mr X. He apologized and said he did not intend property damage. The company had previously warned him for safety violations. The tribunal awarded O'Brien €31,500, half of the €63,000 loss of earnings, after finding him 50% liable for the dismissal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Fitter fired after he 'lost the head' over apprentice's prank wins €31k. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- Thursday 10 August Other
- May 2023 Other
- 2024-12-11 Publication
Places mentioned
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