The Workplace Relations Commission found that Ben Murphy was unfairly dismissed by Shannon Transport & Warehouse Company T/A STL Logistics and awarded him €15,000 in compensation. The WRC decision was dated 20 April 2023.
Murphy, a helper with 14 years’ service, was dismissed after one unscheduled, undocumented delivery of two kegs to Dublin’s Bridge Tavern on 15 February 2019. He said the delivery was part of a known “swop” arrangement. The company argued the dismissal for gross misconduct was reasonable.
The adjudicator found that the company had not proved the dismissal was fair. The company relied on written submissions, while Murphy gave evidence at the hearing; the WRC preferred his direct evidence. It found the delivery did not amount to gross misconduct and dismissal was disproportionate given his length of service. The €15,000 award was compensation for the unfair dismissal. His separate Payment of Wages complaint was withdrawn at the hearing.