Courts / Dublin / Report
Worker fails in discrimination claim after colleague thrust into him 'as if riding a horse'
Summary
In a 2025 ruling, the Workplace Relations Commission rejected a discrimination claim by chef Serhat Aksakal against the Odeon Bar and Restaurant in Dublin. Aksakal alleged that a senior employee, Mr Z, thrust his genital area into him and made a "yee‑haw" noise, describing the act as having "undeniable sexual overtones." The WRC found the incident did not occur in a workplace where sexual harassment was tolerated. Aksakal had used ChatGPT to draft his complaint, and the tribunal noted the language used must accurately reflect the events. Mr Z was dismissed the month after the incident, and the company had already rectified a separate claim of unpaid tips. The commission upheld the dismissal and dismissed the discrimination claim, while acknowledging the claim under the Payment of Wages Act was well‑founded but had been remedied.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Worker fails in discrimination claim after colleague thrust into him 'as if riding a horse'. Charges or matters: discrimination claim under the Employment Equality Act 1998. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 4 July 2024 Incident
- 29 July Other
- 10 July Other
- 2025-06-03 Publication
Why: "After I defend myself, I cover my face, because he's trying to touch my face… I didn't know what he was thinking, and after he tried to make some movements from his body, so it was humiliating and it affect[ed] my dignity," he told the tribunal. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: discrimination claim under the Employment Equality Act 1998 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Harcourt Street
Topics
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