Courts / Waterford / Report
Allegations of burgers being picked up from the floor 'not a matter of national security', solicitor tells Dawn Meats case
Summary
The Workplace Relations Commission adjourned the trial of Abdulah Al Jaber's complaint against Dawn Meats Ltd to a future date, yet to be confirmed, when the company's final witness, a training officer, is expected to give evidence and closing submissions will be heard. Adjudicator Gaye Cunningham reversed a prior decision to hold the hearing in private, admitting the press after reviewing correspondence regarding protected disclosures. Al Jaber, appearing through an Arabic interpreter, alleged that hygiene procedures were neglected at the plant in winter 2020 due to pandemic pressures, claiming burgers were picked up from the floor and put back on the line. He also claimed a back injury from carrying heavy meat containers in subzero conditions. Dawn Meats denied these allegations as false and defamatory, with former health and safety manager Richie Phelan testifying that fallen product was never returned to the line. The company argued the protected disclosure was an attempt to embarrass them, while Al Jaber's solicitor argued the privacy decision was a volte-face. Ms Cunningham stated her focus remained on whether Al Jaber was discriminatorily dismissed under the Employment Equality Act 1998, noting she would not compel the CEO to attend. The matter was adjourned, not concluded.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Allegations of burgers being picked up from the floor 'not a matter of national security', solicitor tells Dawn Meats case. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2020 Other
- 2023-11-08 Publication
Why: Allegations that safety and hygiene procedures were "neglected" at a Dawn Meats plant in the winter of 2020 because of pandemic pressures are not a matter of such sensitivity that a hearing had to be held behind closed doors, a solicitor has told the Workplace Relations Commission. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Ms Cunningham adjourned the case to a future date, yet to be confirmed by the WRC, when it's expected the company's final witness, a training officer, will give evidence and closing submissions will be heard.
Places mentioned
- Waterford
- Waterford Courthouse
Topics
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