A branch manager with Dunnes Stores has claimed at the High Court that he was dismissed without reason after 30 years service with the company. In proceedings against the company, Mr Sean Sharkey is seeking his reinstatement.
Mr Sharkey (50), Drumnavanagh, Co Cavan, who was employed at €46,500 a year as retail branch manger at Ardeasmuinn, Dundalk, said he was told at 3. 15 p.m. on October 3rd, 2001, to attend a meeting at 5 p.m. that same day with area manager Mr Michael Beggan and personnel manager Mr Tim O'Mahony in the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan. He asked Mr O'Mahony what the meeting concerned and was told that he - Mr Sharkey - was on the agenda.
Nothing had happened prior to this which would have indicated to him why the meeting was taking place and he had brought his wife, Mr Sharkey said. He had heard stories previously of managers who had received similar calls and were let go after such meetings.
At the meeting, he was told he was no longer part of the com-pany's future plans and was told not to return to the store. He was also given a document saying he would get £70,000 gross and that was the end of it. There was no mention of his pension.
Counsel for Dunnes put it to him there was no intention to terminate his employment at the meeting and a further meeting was arranged at which further proposals would be put to him.
Mr Sharkey is seeking declarations that his purported dismissal is void and of no effect and injunctions restraining that dismissal and preventing Dunnes from appointing any other person to his position.
The case continues today before Mr Justice Smyth.