The Labour Court overturned a €20,000 award against Wexford County Council after finding that the council had not penalised a worker for raising health and safety concerns. The court’s decision was dated 8 July 2024.
The council appealed an adjudication officer’s ruling that its driver, Patrick O'Connor, had been penalised by a reduction in variable overtime and was entitled to €20,000 compensation. O'Connor said he had lost overtime after raising safety issues; the council said his overtime earnings had increased.
The Labour Court found that O'Connor’s overtime had increased and that he had not shown a link between his safety complaint and changes to his duties. It also found that his bullying complaints had been investigated and that he had not established a link between his complaint and alleged ostracisation. The appeal was upheld and the original decision set aside.