Landmark Win for Employment Matters in Pregnancy Discrimination Case

Landmark Win for Employment Matters in Pregnancy Discrimination Case

At Employment Matters, we are proud to highlight a groundbreaking win for employee rights. This case involved our client, Raquel Vieira dos Santos Silva, a pregnant worker who faced severe discrimination. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded her an unprecedented €136,200, recognizing the injustice she endured.

The Case: Pregnancy Discrimination at Work

Ms. dos Santos Silva joined eTeam Workforce Ltd in December 2022 as a category sourcing consultant. She believed she had a permanent contract earning €62,000 per year, as her employment agreement lacked an end date. In July 2023, she informed her employer about her pregnancy, with plans to take maternity leave starting February 2024.

However, after revealing her pregnancy, the company claimed her contract was temporary. They pressured her to sign an amended contract that added an end date, threatening to withhold her pay if she refused. Despite her resistance and legal advice, she eventually signed under duress.

Her contract was terminated on February 29, 2024, just weeks after she began maternity leave. This left her jobless during a critical time, causing immense distress and requiring medical and psychological support.

WRC Ruling: Unfair Dismissal and Discrimination Recognized

The WRC adjudicator, Gaye Cunningham, found that eTeam Workforce Ltd had unilaterally and unfairly altered the terms of Ms. dos Santos Silva’s contract. The tribunal ruled that these actions constituted gender and pregnancy discrimination under the Employment Equality Act 1998.

The adjudicator stated:

“To unilaterally change the end date of the employee’s contract in the instant case was particularly egregious, especially when she had notified the respondent of her pregnancy.”

The Award: A Landmark Sum for Justice

The WRC awarded Ms. dos Santos Silva:

  • €124,800 for gender and pregnancy discrimination.
  • €11,400 under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 for three months’ lost earnings.

The total sum of €136,200 marks one of the largest awards for a pregnancy discrimination case in 2024, setting a powerful precedent for similar claims.

Sean Ormonde: A Champion for Employee Rights

Sean Ormonde, Principal Solicitor at Employment Matters, represented Ms. dos Santos Silva in this case. Reflecting on the outcome, he said:

“This case isn’t just about the monetary award—it’s about accountability and justice. Pregnancy discrimination has no place in the workplace. We’re proud the WRC recognized the severity of this situation and delivered a ruling that sends a strong message to employers.”

Why This Case Matters

This ruling is a significant victory for pregnant employees facing unfair treatment. It reaffirms that employers cannot penalize or coerce workers based on pregnancy or maternity leave.

How Employment Matters Can Help You

At Employment Matters, we specialize in employment law, offering expert legal representation in cases of:

  • Pregnancy discrimination.
  • Unfair dismissal.
  • Workplace bullying and harassment.

Our experienced team, led by Sean Ormonde, fights to protect employee rights and achieve justice.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve experienced discrimination or unfair treatment at work, Employment Matters is here to help. Contact us for compassionate, expert advice tailored to your case.

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