Courts / Dublin / Report
Builder fired after calling employer a 'sneaky rat' wins €9k for unfair dismissal
Summary
David Donohoe, a builder who had worked for SJK Civils Ltd for 13 years, was dismissed in April 2024 after a dispute over working hours. He claimed the employer had asked him to start at 5.30am instead of 7am and then expected him to finish at 3pm instead of 1.30pm. Donohoe refused to work the extended hours, called the director a "sneaky rat" and left the site. The director said Donohoe was only sent away on 5 April and was formally dismissed on 19 April for gross misconduct. Donohoe's solicitor argued the dismissal process was applied retroactively. The Workplace Relations Commission found the dismissal unfair and awarded Donohoe €9,000, noting he had suffered losses of €15,977 between April and August 2024.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Builder fired after calling employer a 'sneaky rat' wins €9k for unfair dismissal. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- April 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- Friday 5 April Hearing Or Sentence
- 5 April 2024 Other
- 19 April Hearing Or Sentence
- 5 April Incident
- August 2024 Other
- 2025-05-28 Publication
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Ms McElduff's view
Topics
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