Courts / Dublin / Report

Former Fair City photographer given go-ahead to take employment case against RTE

Date
2025-07-24

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The Workplace Relations Commission has ruled that Beta Bajgart, a former photographer for RTÉ's Fair City, was an employee rather than a freelance contractor, allowing her employment claims to proceed to a full hearing. Adjudication officer Catherine Byrne determined that the day-to-day reality of Bajgart's work, including a fixed weekly rate, lack of discretion over attendance, and personal performance of duties, was inconsistent with her contractual status as an independent contractor. The tribunal noted that Bajgart worked part-time for 12 years, with her role contributing to the show's promotion. Although RTÉ argued the tribunal lacked jurisdiction because Bajgart was a supplier of services, Byrne concluded that the sustained nature of the job and RTÉ's sole reliance on Bajgart meant the legal basis evolved into an employment relationship. This decision follows scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee regarding RTÉ's payment of €60,000 annually for promotional images. Bajgart claims her work was terminated without notice on 15 December 2023. Her case, brought under several employment acts, will now advance to a full hearing. This ruling marks the first application of a 2023 Supreme Court distinction between employees and contractors to an RTÉ worker, amidst broader reviews of media worker classifications by the Department of Social Protection.