The WRC recommended that a worker and a manufacturer draw a line under a workplace dispute after finding procedural deficiencies on both sides made a written warning unsafe. The recommendation was dated 1 March 2024.
The worker said he had approached a manager to advocate for a colleague. The employer said it investigated a harassment complaint, upheld it and issued a warning, arguing that the worker had received fair procedures. The worker’s union challenged the investigation’s speed and his opportunity to respond.
The officer accepted that the worker’s conversation was an attempt to advocate for his colleague, but also found he missed an opportunity to seek representation during the investigation. The warning had expired, and the employer had not notified him that it had ended.
The officer recommended that the worker, employer, SIPTU and IBEC meet within four weeks to agree how the Code of Practice for Employee Representatives would apply in the workplace. The recommendation was in full and final settlement of the dispute.