A member of the SIPTU Aviation Sector who had their employment terminated during their probation period has secured a payment of €8,000 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The worker commenced employment on 5th February 2024 and was informed that their job had been terminated on 26th July 2024. The reason given for termination was non-completion of probation.
In a case taken to the WRC by the SIPTU Workers Rights Centre, the Adjudication Officer stated that a worker should be clear on what are the expectations of them in a probationary period and that every opportunity be afforded to meet those expectations. There was a failure in this instance to clearly communicate to the worker what was needed to pass his probation.
As well as finding in favour of the SIPTU member, the Adjudication Officer recommended that the employer reviews its policies and procedures around communicating clearly to probationary employees what is expected of them, particularly with a view to ensuring all Supervisors are aware of the up-to-date position regarding changeable requirements. The WRC recommendation stated: “It is crucial for all parties to know and be able to identify what the current position is with any particular condition of employment.”