Irish Rail probes bullying claims

AN INTERNAL investigation is under way at Irish Rail after a number of workers lodged formal complaints with company management over alleged bullying.

It is understood that at least five Iarnród Éireann workers have lodged complaints within the past month relating to a number of incidents that are alleged to have taken place this year.

A solicitor representing the men confirmed that the workers had lodged complaints and were awaiting the results of an internal investigation.

Dublin-based solicitor Colm McGeehan said that the men, who are mostly based in Dublin but one of whom is understood to be based in Cork, had sought legal advice arising out of their complaints.

“There are formal complaints being made to Iarnród Éireann,” he said, adding that the complaints had been lodged “in the last while”.

“Every large company has recognised guidelines related to what they do regarding these types of claims and an internal inquiry is being pursued.”

A spokesman for Iarnród Éireann confirmed that cases of alleged bullying were being investigated, but said the number of workers who had lodged complaints was fewer than five.

“A report has been received by the company alleging bullying and harassment on the part of an individual.

“In accordance with company protocol this report is being investigated and we have no further comment to make at this time,” spokesman Barry Kenny said.

It is understood that the complaints have been made regarding the behaviour of a member of staff employed in an engineering section.

It is also understood that the men who have made the complaints work in various sections of the company, including the Dart, and that some have taken sick leave as a result of the alleged bullying and harassment.

Some of the workers have been working at the company for decades and first voiced their concerns to management earlier this summer. It is unknown how long the internal investigation will take.