The SIPTU Workers’ Rights Centre secured awards totalling €3,889 for a worker who did not receive a statement of his terms of employment and was left with outstanding payments by his employer, Lawless Aggregate Ltd, Athlone, County Roscommon
In its decision, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that Lawless Aggregate Ltd should pay its former employee, Roman Berezovskis, €1,500 compensation for failure to provide him with a written statement of his terms of employment, €1,762.43 for outstanding wages and €626.97 for outstanding holiday pay due at the date he terminated his employment.
SIPTU Workers’ Rights Centre Athlone Office Advocate, Áine Feeney, said: “Our member found himself in a situation where, despite repeated requests throughout his employment, his employer failed to provide him with a statement of his terms of employment. Having terminated his employment, with the appropriate notice to the employer, his outstanding wages and annual leave entitlements were withheld.
“Roman tried to resolve the matter directly with the company but it refused to engage, necessitating the matter being referred to the WRC. Its decision affirms the fact that employers have a duty to their employees and that failure to comply with those duties will not be tolerated.”
Roman said: “The outcome that we have achieved at the WRC recognises that what was done to me was wrong, and that means more than anything. I had on several occasions requested a contract of employment or documents showing my clear terms of employment but I was fobbed off by management. When I looked for my outstanding wages I was ignored, as was my trade union official. However, the decision shows I was correct in seeking what I was legally entitled to.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “Roman showed great strength and conviction in pursuing his claim, the commitment shown to fight for his legal rights has to be commended. This case shows that these matters can be resolved through workers organising into the Union.”
