The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Sylvia Hallahan €23,102 after finding she was unfairly dismissed by Sanmina Ireland Unlimited Company. The decision was dated 11 May 2022.
Hallahan, a company operative from March 2003, was dismissed after graffiti targeting a supervisor was found in a women’s bathroom. Sanmina said handwriting evidence and inconsistencies in witness statements led it to conclude she had written it. Hallahan denied doing so and challenged the fairness of the investigation and dismissal.
The adjudication officer found the investigation incomplete, including its failure to interview relevant witnesses and examine information Hallahan had raised. The handwriting evidence could not be tested in cross-examination. The officer said Sanmina relied too heavily on the incomplete investigation and did not give sufficient weight to Hallahan’s denial or unblemished work record. She found the dismissal unreasonable and ordered compensation instead of reinstatement.
The award comprised €15,152 for financial loss and pension rights from August 2020 to February 2021, plus €7,950 for 20 weeks of prospective loss.