The Workplace Relations Commission found that Eiratech Robotics Ltd. breached maternity protection law by changing Aisling Bermingham’s employment terms while she was on maternity leave. The WRC ordered the company to pay her €14,615.38, equivalent to 20 weeks’ pay.
The decision, dated 12 December 2023, concerned a complaint under the Maternity Protection Act 1994. Bermingham, an administrative assistant, said she understood the company’s policy to promise her salary during maternity leave. Eiratech argued that the Act did not provide an entitlement to maternity pay.
The adjudicator found that the employment contract and handbook entitled employees to pay during basic maternity leave, but not additional leave. The company’s unilateral change to Bermingham’s terms during protected leave breached the Act. The award was payable within 42 days.