The complainant was a manager in an English language school an complained of discrimination on grounds of gender, marital status and family status.
She complained that she was criticised after taking maternity leave and that she did not receive the same pay as an equivalent male manager (Mr Z). The respondent argued there were reasons for Mr Z's higher salary but did not provide evidence. Many of the complaints revolved around Skype conference calls from Japan, where the owner of the school is based.
The EO preferred the evidence of the complainant and found that criticisms of the complainant were related more to maternity leave than the performance of the school. The award was €30k compensation and:
"that the respondent pay the complainant the same rate of remuneration (€48,200) as paid by it to Mr. Z with effect from 1 October, 2008 and that it pay her the appropriate arrears of remuneration from that date, having regard to the provisions of any maternity leave and sick leave policy that may have existed at that time, until the cessation of her employment in May, 2010."
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