Norma Burke’s gender discrimination claim against PPI heard by WRC

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Norma Burke’s gender discrimination claim against Press Photographers Ireland CLG was heard at the Workplace Relations Commission on 12 September 2024. Adjudicator Kara Turner closed the hearing and was to issue written findings later.

Burke alleged that a rule requiring members to be full-time press photographers earning 80% of their income from editorial work discriminated against women, who she said were more likely to work part-time, study full-time or have caring responsibilities. She also alleged that replies to her membership inquiries contained belittling, dismissive and gendered remarks.

PPI denied any breach. Its barrister, Elaine Davern-Wiseman, argued that Burke had no standing because she had not submitted an application and that the association did not provide a service to the public. The tribunal reserved its position on those objections.

This case may have concluded differently. The outcome has not yet been confirmed by a public source we could find.