WRC orders café to pay €5,000 fine for allegedly transferring barista due to overly friendly behavior deemed as punitive action
In a recent ruling by Adjudicator Tom O'Driscoll, a barista based in Ireland has been awarded €5,000 in compensation following an investigation into alleged unfair treatment at her workplace. The barista, who had been employed by the cafe for over two years, found herself in the midst of a controversy in January 2025. Upon her return from her Christmas holidays on Friday 27 December 2024, she walked into a hostile work environment. The employer had informally reminded the barista about the company's policy against undercharging, giving away items, and providing unauthorized discounts. However, the barista was accused of misconduct, including losing business money, due to her overly friendly behaviour with customers. Among the allegations were claims that she was undercharging, giving away free items, giving away too many loyalty stamps, accepting gifts, and being too friendly with customers. On 3 January 2025, the barista was called for a meeting after her shift, where she was accused of these misdeeds. The employer, in response, addressed the barista and other staff in an unfriendly manner. The employer also tried to pull the barista's arm during the refusal and threatened to report her to the gardai. In the midst of this, the employer decided to transfer the barista to another branch of the cafe. Initially presented as a 'temporary step' during the investigation, the transfer was agreed upon with the barista. However, Adjudicator Tom O'Driscoll found that this transfer amounted to a disciplinary sanction and was done without a proper or impartial investigation. The employer denies any bullying or intimidation took place and denies grabbing the barista by the arm. Nevertheless, the Adjudicator concluded that the employer's actions constituted unfair treatment and created an unsavoury and undermining work environment for the barista. Following the investigation, the Workplace Relations Commission has recommended that the employer pay compensation of €5,000 to the barista in recognition of the distress and loss caused. The barista quit the job shortly after the treatment she received. A search for information about similar cases involving baristas in Ireland in 2025 revealed no results providing details about a damages compensation case of €5,000 due to overly friendly behaviour with customers. This case serves as a reminder for employers to handle such situations with care and fairness to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
