The Labour Court rejected Susan Stuart’s discrimination complaint against Aer Lingus, finding no discrimination in relation to her resignation after she could not obtain part-time cabin crew work. The order was signed on 8 April 1998.
Stuart argued that refusing her part-time work amounted to discrimination and constructive dismissal on grounds of sex and marital status. Aer Lingus said the scheme was open to all cabin crew and that staffing, service and safety needs ruled out unlimited access. The Court found no evidence of direct discrimination and held that the agreed 5% limit on part-time places was essential to meet operational needs. It rejected the claim as not well founded.