ADJUDICATION OFFICER Recommendation on dispute under Industrial Relations Act 1969
Investigation Recommendation Reference: IR - SC - 00004222
Parties:
| Worker | Employer |
Anonymised Parties | A General Manager | A Manufacturing Company |
Representatives | David Pearson, Solicitor of J.W. O'Donovan Solicitors LLP | Eamon Murray, Solicitor of Eamon Murray & Company Solicitors |
Dispute:
Act | Dispute Reference No. | Date of Receipt |
Complaint seeking adjudication by the Workplace Relations Commission under section 13 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1969 | IR - SC - 00004222 | 02/05/2025 |
Workplace Relations Commission Adjudication Officer: Lefre de Burgh
Date of Hearing: 21/04/2026
Procedure:
In accordance with Section 13 of the Industrial Relations Act 1969 (as amended) following the referral of the dispute to me by the Director General, I inquired into the dispute and gave the parties an opportunity to be heard by me and to present to me any information relevant to the dispute.
Background:
This complaint pertained to an alleged failure by the Employer to investigate a formal grievance made by the Worker. It was submitted that multiple efforts to follow up were made both by the Worker and by his Solicitor on his behalf, and that no meaningful action has been taken to investigate or address the issues raised. It was submitted that as a result of the issues complained of, and the ongoing failure of the Employer to engage and/or engage an investigator, the Worker’s health has significantly deteriorated. The Worker submitted that, at the time of the filing of his WRC Industrial Relations trade dispute for investigation, he continues to be under medical care and unable to attend work since July 2023. The matter was initially listed in front of the Adjudication Officer for 9th December 2025. Correspondence was received from the Solicitor for the Worker, with the Solicitor for the Employer copied in, on 8th December 2025, outlining that the parties had reached agreement in principle, and requesting a postponement of the Industrial Relations investigation herein in order to allow the settlement to be reduced to writing, signed and implemented. The Adjudication Officer acceded to that request, and in the circumstances, granted the application for a postponement, allowing until COB on Friday, January 30th 2026 for the matter to be withdrawn by the Solicitor for the Worker. Otherwise, the matter was to be re-listed for hearing. Further correspondence was received from the Solicitor for the Worker, with the Solicitor for the Employer copied in on 30th January 2026 outlining that unfortunately, the settlement had not been implemented and accordingly the Worker wished to have the matter re-entered for hearing. The matter was re-listed for hearing for 2nd May 2026. |
Summary of Worker’s Case:
No appearance was entered by or on behalf of the Worker. |
Summary of Employer’s Case:
No appearance was entered by or on behalf of the Employer |
Conclusions:
In conducting my investigation, I have taken into account all relevant submissions presented to me by the parties. |
Recommendation:
Section 13 of the Industrial Relations Act 1969 requires that I make a recommendation in relation to the dispute.
I do not make any recommendation on behalf of the Worker. |
Dated: 24/08/2026
Workplace Relations Commission Adjudication Officer: Lefre de Burgh
Key Words:
Grievance Procedure; Delay; Settlement; Re-listed; No appearance; |