Labour Court finds Portroe Stevedores discriminated against three dockers and awards up to €7,000

In 2005, the Labour Court allowed an appeal by Patrick Nevins, Brian Murphy and Anthony Flood, finding Portroe Stevedores discriminated against them on age grounds when it failed to fairly consider their applications for permanent general operative jobs. The determination was dated 11 February 2005. The Court awarded Murphy and Flood €7,000 each and ordered the company to employ Nevins on the same terms as the successful applicants and provide the necessary training; it also awarded him €4,000 compensation. The workers said the selection was unfair, including that Murphy was not interviewed. The company said it chose candidates for their skills, flexibility and willingness to train. The Court found the process was unstructured and subjective, the complainants had not been offered crane training, and the employer had no interview notes or documented selection criteria. It concluded that the company had not rebutted the evidence of age discrimination.