The Workplace Relations Commission recommended that a retail chain keep a customer assistant’s final written warning on file for six months rather than 12, then remove it forthwith. The recommendation was dated 10 May 2018.
The worker, based at the chain’s Santry store, had received the warning after taking part in picketing at other stores and missing work. The WRC found that Santry was not among the stores covered by strike notices and that no notice had been served for this worker’s industrial action. It said the chain was justified in issuing the warning.
However, the same person conducted the investigation and disciplinary hearing, contrary to the chain’s own procedures and best practice. The WRC recommended the shorter period because of that breach. The worker was represented by Mandate Trade Union, while the chain was represented by IBEC.