Annette Ryan, a former catering supervisor at University Hospital Waterford, is challenging her dismissal following accusations of bullying, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination from colleagues. She denies the allegations and claims she was not given a fair opportunity to defend herself.
A former hospital worker is fighting for her job after being sacked for alleged bullying, harassment, intimidation and discrimination. Annette Ryan worked as a catering supervisor for Campbell Catering, trading as Aramark, at University Hospital Waterford for at least 10 years. However, she was dismissed following accusations made by four colleagues who reportedly complained of her behavior to management.
According to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the complaints included allegations of offensive remarks and a hostile work environment. One of the key accusations centered around Ms. Ryan allegedly telling a coworker in the emergency department, 'You’re not Irish; you’re black.' Ms. Ryan vehemently denied this allegation, stating that her colleague was 'making it up' and that she had always worked well with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. She expressed her shock at being accused of racism, emphasizing that she had socialized with her colleagues and considered them friends. The WRC heard that during the investigation, Ms. Ryan was suspended with pay, and during this time, she felt she wasn't given a fair chance to respond to the allegations. She claimed that the site manager treated her disrespectfully, 'frog marching' her out of the hospital and preventing her from contacting anyone. An investigation officer concluded that there was enough evidence to warrant a disciplinary hearing. A regional support manager conducted the hearing and, based on the number and severity of the complaints, recommended Ms. Ryan's immediate dismissal. Despite an appeal, Ms. Ryan's dismissal was upheld. The adjudication officer for the WRC, Gaye Cunningham, is reviewing the evidence and is expected to reach a decision on Ms. Ryan's unfair dismissal claim within six weeks
Unfair Dismissal Workplace Bullying Discrimination Harassment Catering Supervisor
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