The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Mihalis Buinenko €16,000 after finding that Lidl unfairly dismissed him. The decision, dated 10 October 2023, found his complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act well founded.
Buinenko had worked as a warehouse operative for Lidl since September 2010. The company said it dismissed him over attendance and conduct problems, including absences, leaving early and taking extended breaks. Buinenko said his sick leave was medically certified and challenged the disciplinary process.
The adjudication officer found that Lidl had not given Buinenko enough detail about the specific dates and incidents behind the charges. The officer also found it unreasonable to treat certified sick leave as poor attendance or as a basis for dismissal. Compensation is money paid to address losses from the dismissal; the €16,000 award was for loss of earnings and is subject to statutory deductions. The officer considered that Buinenko found new work in February 2022 and had not applied for vacancies in June, July or November 2021.