The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Nicholas Collins €40,000 after finding that Swissport Ireland Ltd unfairly dismissed him. The decision was dated 1 November 2024.
Collins had worked for Swissport since 2004 and was its Cargo Compliance Manager for the Dublin operation when he was dismissed in December 2023 after issues arose from an Irish Aviation Authority inspection. He said he was not told he was under investigation or given the evidence and report behind the case against him. Swissport called no witnesses and presented no evidence at the hearing.
The adjudication officer found serious failures in fair procedure, including that Collins was not told he was under investigation or given the investigation material and allegations. The decision said there was no evidence that he contributed to his dismissal. It also found that Swissport failed to provide the required written employment terms and awarded him €4,443.60, equal to four weeks’ remuneration. Fair procedure means a worker must be told the case against them and given a fair chance to respond.