WRC rules it cannot hear Siptu penalisation complaint

The Workplace Relations Commission ruled on 20 February 2025 that it had no jurisdiction to hear Frank McDonald’s complaint against Siptu Trade Union under the Protected Disclosures Act because it was out of time. McDonald alleged that after he reported interference with approval of a Community Employment Scheme rollover, he was ostracised, denied access to union premises and intimidated. Siptu denied penalisation and said access restrictions applied to all members under a policy introduced after a data breach. The Adjudication Officer did not decide whether the disclosure was protected or whether penalisation occurred.