The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Jill Wheeler’s complaint that Rd Heating & Plumbing discriminated against her because of her nationality. In a decision dated 26 June 2024, the WRC found no discrimination under the Equal Status Act and declared the complaint not well founded.
Wheeler said a plumber missed an appointment and an office administrator was rude and dismissive, and that she was treated less favourably because she was a non-Irish national with a New Zealand accent. The company acknowledged that her customer experience could have been better, cited pandemic-related staffing and transport constraints, and denied discrimination.
The adjudicator found that the reported conversations, although unpleasant, did not cross into discrimination under the Act. The decision said the company could not have inferred Wheeler’s New Zealand background from her accent unless she disclosed it. The company’s owner apologised and said it would take steps to improve customer care.