The Workplace Relations Commission found Anne Millar’s unfair dismissal complaint against the Irish Aviation Authority well founded and ordered the authority to pay her €2,815 in compensation, about four weeks’ wages. The decision was dated 27 January 2023.
The authority said Ms Millar had repeatedly failed to meet performance and timekeeping standards despite warnings and opportunities to improve. Millar argued that the disciplinary process was unfair, including because managers involved in raising concerns also played key roles in the hearings and dismissal decision.
The adjudication officer found the dismissal proportionate in light of Millar’s performance, but said serious procedural failings made it unfair. Millar had not received records of witness statements or an opportunity to question the witnesses. The officer also found that managers’ overlapping roles undermined the process, and that the authority should have considered alternatives to dismissal.
The officer found that Millar’s behaviour contributed significantly to her dismissal and took this into account when setting compensation. Reinstatement or re-engagement was considered impractical, so compensation was chosen as the remedy.