Store workers claim unfair dismissal

ONE of the key witnesses in last December’s Ian Bailey libel trial was back on the stand yesterday to give evidence in her own case for unfair dismissal.

Marie Farrell, Schull, Co Cork, is claiming compensation for her dismissal as a shop assistant with the Bandon branch of the department chain store Heatons.

She and two co-workers, Fiona O’Connell from Bandon and Caroline Burns, Innishannon, are all claiming unfair dismissal. The hearing opened at the Employment Appeals Tribunal in Cork.

Mrs Farrell worked in the Ladies Wear of Heatons in Bandon from the time the store opened in September 2002 until January 2003. She claims she was sacked by store manager Tom Coyne for attempting to organise trade union representation for staff.

The company denies this and contends the reason for her dismissal was her poor work performance and her attitude towards senior management.

In evidence, Mrs Farrell told tribunal chairman Paddy Gould that she loved her job at Heatons and was devastated when told she was being dismissed.

“I was brought into the canteen and told I was being sacked. I was crying, completely in bits. I rang my husband and he couldn’t believe it either because everything had been going so well.”

Mrs Farrell said that up until then she and the store manager had enjoyed amicable relations to such an extent that he confided in her about his personal family matters and his work difficulties with other members of staff.

She said she told Mr Coyne on January 6, 2003 that she was gathering a meeting of staff with a view to organising membership of Mandate.

Three days later, he sacked her.

She said Mr Coyne had conducted a review of her work the previous November and even indicated she could be suitable for promotion.

She told Matthew O’Callaghan for Mandate: “I was not aware there were any problems with my performance until the day I was sacked. The area manager Michael O’Shea said he was thrilled with our sales figures.”

Mr Coyne told Jenny D’Arcy for Heatons he had dismissed eight members of staff during his time as store manager in Heatons of Bandon. He now works with the firm’s Wexford branch.

The case was adjourned for a two-day hearing next month.