Ambassador immunity in job rights case upheld

SOUTH Africa’s Ambassador to Ireland has had her claim for diplomatic immunity in an employment rights case upheld by the Rights Commissioner.

Ambassador Priscilla Jana claimed the immunity after a former employee tried to bring a claim against her under the Payment of Wages Act, 1991, the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977-2001.

Valentyna Khristonsen, a Ukranian domestic worker, began working for the ambassador in her home in Dalkey in 2006, but had her employment contract terminated in 2008.