O’Callaghan Hotels ordered to pay €315,000
Published: Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The O'Callaghan Hotels group has declined to comment after the Equality Tribunal ordered it to pay €315,000 to a former employee.
The tribunal found that the hotel chain had dismissed its former Director of Sales and Marketing, Julie O'Brien, because she was pregnant.
Ms O'Brien's solicitor said she was heartened by the verdict, which is now under appeal.
The National Women's Council described the case as shocking, as it showed that women continued to experience direct discrimination.
As Director of Sales and Marketing for the group, Ms O'Brien was paid €126,000 a year plus benefits, including a mobile phone.
The chain paid her full salary during her first two maternity leaves, though she also worked from home during those periods.