The Workplace Relations Commission found that pizza chef Radoslav Merglesky was discriminated against on family-status grounds by Mike Delta Mike Holdings Ltd (In Liquidation) and awarded him €16,000 compensation. In a separate complaint, it found he was unfairly dismissed and ordered €8,000 compensation.
The decision, by adjudication officer John Harraghy, was dated 23 October 2024. Merglesky told the WRC he had agreed to have every second weekend free for family access arrangements, but that the arrangement was not honoured. The adjudicator found sufficient evidence of discrimination and noted that the respondent did not appear to rebut the complaint.
The unfair dismissal finding followed serious flaws in the disciplinary process. The WRC said Merglesky was not given documents before the dismissal meeting or a chance to answer the allegations, and found that no reasonable employer would have dismissed him in those circumstances.
The adjudicator estimated his loss while working part time at €4,840, but the unfair dismissal award was €8,000. The decision said that award reflected Merglesky’s failure to appeal his dismissal. The respondent was in liquidation, and reinstatement or re-engagement was not considered viable.