WRC recommends €2,000 compensation for porter over grievance delays

A WRC adjudication officer recommended that a health service employer investigate delays in a porter’s grievance process and pay him €2,000 compensation. The recommendation was dated 12 June 2023. The worker said his grievance was repeatedly referred back to his line manager instead of advancing through the agreed procedure. The employer acknowledged delays, attributed an initial delay to annual leave and said the worker later declined meetings. The officer found the grievance was first considered about 10 weeks after it was lodged and that escalation was repeatedly blocked. The officer also noted the worker had not engaged after the WRC complaint, despite late attempts by the employer. Recommendations included an independent investigation and steps to meet grievance timelines.