Gaffney Solicitors

In this unprecedented time for us all, Gaffney Solicitors have taken the decision to operate remotely over the next few weeks and our physical office will remain closed during this period. Other than that, we may be contacted by email or phone in the usual way. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2020 to everyone from all of us at Gaffney Solicitors!

I was requested by Brenda Dennehy, Journalist with the Irish Mirror to provide some insight into potential issues that may arise at office parties arranged by employers.

Irish lawyer warns of risks you shouldn't take during work Christmas party Mr Gaffney also revealed many companies have clamped down on offering free bars at their parties as they are a “recipe for disaster”

The Supreme Court in Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail -V- Barry McKelvey [2018] IECA 346 has clarified that "exceptional" circumstances must exist to entitle an employee to legal representation during an internal disciplinary process.

Supreme Court makes ruling over workplace dispute The Supreme Court has ruled that employees who want to have their lawyers present at internal workplace disciplinary proceedings must establish an "exceptional" case that the process could not be fair without such legal representation.

This judgment from the European Union Intellectual Property Office causes McDonald's to lose its exclusive trademark rights to the use of the "Mc" prefix in the majority of its food offerings.

Supermac's scores further trademark win over McDonald's McDonald's ownership of the "Mc" trademark across the EU has been partially cancelled following a further victory by Supermac's in its battle with the global fast food giant.

This Decision of the Supreme Court in relation to potential Constitutional issues arising from, or in connection with, the procedures applicable to statutory claims made to the Workplace Relations Commission is not altogether unexpected and will likely result in certain evidential and procedural changes having to be made.

Constitutionality of WRC to be challenged in Court A legal challenge to the constitutionality of the Workplace Relations Commission is set to proceed after the Supreme Court ruled today that a claimant was entitled to take the case.

Significant legislation which generally prohibits "zero hours" contracts and contracts providing work on a "casual" basis has been enacted. It is welcome in many respects and indeed by many employees, but will inevitably lead to contention with other employees that are happy with the way things were.

New law aimed at curbing zero-hours contracts comes into effect Employment protection legislation to provide support for workers in precarious situations

Supermac's has won its long running case against fast food giant McDonald's to have the use of the Big Mac trademark cancelled!

'End of the McBully' - Supermac's wins McDonald's case Galway-based Supermac's has won its long running case against fast food giant McDonald's to have the use of the Big Mac trademark cancelled.

It certainly appears that the photo was intended as a protest by staff as a result of their less than ideal conditions for circa 5 hours. Undoubtedly the publication of the video by Ryanair to show the photo was staged only goes to highlight the ease with which Ryanair may be prepared to go in disregard of the most basic data protection and privacy rights of its employees. Lest there be any confusion, Ryanair is absolutely entitled to protect its often contentious customer reputation, but perhaps steps such as these are, in effect, counter-productive, serve only to generate even greater public criticism and are potentially a contravention of its considerable data protection obligations.

Ryanair sacks six cabin crew members pictured 'sleeping' on airport floor The airline says the photo was "staged" to support a false narrative

I wonder how long this and any related articles will appear in Google search results! The alleged inaction to address an ogle in Google has sounded a bugle. Sorry! Couldn't resist.

Google staff in walkout over treatment of women Staff at Google offices around the world, including Dublin, are staging an unprecedented series of walkouts in protest at the company's treatment of women.