Mick Clifford: These two women stood up for themselves. Their victory may be a tipping point

The Labour Court has vindicated Julia Marciniak and Lenka Laiermanova and the campaign they initiated about tips in the hospitality industry may end up written into the law of the land

Julia Marciniak and Lenka Laiermanova learned that The Ivy in Dublin was making up their wages out of their tips. This week, the Labour Court ruled that the restaurant had dismissed them for trade union activity and ordered it to pay them compensation of €2,016 and €7,924 respectively. Picture: Unite Trade Union/Facebook

Sometimes the little guy wins. Most of us who are fortunate enough to enjoy a meal out like to tip the waiting staff. Tipping isn’t part of our culture as it is in places like the USA but it has, since eating out has become a genuine feature of life here over the last 30 years, come into vogue. On one level it is a sign of appreciation but it is also a recognition that the hospitality industry is in the low paid sector.

Last week, two women who worked as waiting staff had a major victory. The Labour Court ruled that Julia Marciniak and Lenka Laiermanova had been dismissed from their waiting service jobs because of trade union activity.