A timber frame worker who was penalised and constructively dismissed after complaining about the installation of CCTV cameras in his workplace has been awarded more than 44,000 in compensation.
Norbert Batho filed a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) against Timber Frame Projects Limited, trading as Timber Frame Ireland, after a sudden reduction in his hours left him with no option but to resign.
In October 2022, he expressed concern over the installation of CCTV cameras with the company’s general manager, querying why staff had not been informed of the move in advance.
Internal company WhatsApp messages submitted to the WRC showed that the general manager referred to Bathos as “causing all this ruckus” over the cameras, and described him as “a negative virus that stirs sh*t always”.
The messages noted that Batho had been taking photographs of the CCTV cameras and speculated that he had contacted Citizens Information about the matter.
“No one complained or moaned or b*tched about the cameras once yesterday until Norbert came in this morning [complaining] and raising issues, then by [sort of] agreed with Norbert,” the general manager wrote.
Just 35 minutes after those messages were exchanged, Batho was issued with a revised written contract by email, cutting his hours to allocated driving only and reducing his pay.
The company claimed the reduction was due to a “reduced demand” and commercial downsizing.
Batho refused to sign the contract, gave two...
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