WRC rules it cannot hear Orbcomm employee’s unfair dismissal claim

The WRC ruled it had no jurisdiction to hear Derek Small’s unfair dismissal complaint against Orbcomm Ireland after finding he had waived the right to bring the claim in a compromise agreement. The decision was dated 15 July 2024; the merits were not decided. Small said his redundancy selection was unfair and that his former role was advertised again within two months. Orbcomm said he had waived his right to bring the claim in a signed severance agreement in exchange for an ex-gratia payment. The WRC found the agreement covered the Unfair Dismissals Act and that Small knew or ought to have known its effect.