Timing and Fairness: Iryna's WRC Discrimination Claim
Limerick | Discrimination complaint filed within six months of unfair treatment at work
Iryna had been working steadily at her employer for nearly four years when things changed. Over several months, she noticed she was being treated differently from colleagues doing the same work — different shifts assigned, fewer hours offered, and comments made about her background that made her uncomfortable. She kept records, spoke to a manager about her concerns, and when nothing improved, she decided to file a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission. She filed within six months of the most recent incident, believing she was doing everything right and in time.
Her employer, however, argued that the complaint was out of time. They claimed the discrimination had started much earlier — more than six months before Iryna filed — and that she had waited too long. The employer's legal team pushed hard to have the case dismissed without it ever being heard. Iryna needed help understanding whether her claim would even be allowed to proceed. She spoke to a solicitor who reviewed the exact dates, the pattern of what had happened, and the law on timing. The solicitor argued before the WRC that the discrimination was ongoing and that Iryna had filed within the proper timeframe. The argument succeeded — the complaint was ruled to be in time, and the case moved forward.
With the timing hurdle cleared, Iryna's case proceeded through the WRC process. Her employer eventually agreed to settle the matter. Iryna received compensation and the peace of mind that came with having her experience validated. She learned that getting legal advice early had made all the difference — a small misunderstanding about deadlines could have cost her the right to be heard at all.
What the Law Says
Under Irish employment law, a complaint of discrimination must generally be brought to the Workplace Relations Commission within six months of the alleged discriminatory act. However, if the discrimination is ongoing or repeated over time, the six-month clock may run from the date of the most recent incident, not the first one. This is called the "continuing act" principle. The WRC has the power to extend this time limit in certain circumstances if it is just and equitable to do so, such as where an employee was not aware they had been discriminated against or was given misleading advice about deadlines.
⚠ Time Limits Are Critical
If you believe you have been discriminated against at work, file your complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission within six months of the incident (or the most recent incident if discrimination is ongoing). Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to be heard entirely. If you are unsure whether your situation meets this deadline or whether the "continuing act" rule applies to you, seek legal advice immediately — even a few weeks' delay in understanding your rights could prove costly.