defamation Proceedings Withdrawn

Brendan⁣ ogle, a ​trade union official⁤ employed by ‍Unite, has discontinued High court defamation‍ proceedings against Sharon ​Graham, the union’s General Secretary,‍ and Tony Woodhouse, it’s former chairman. The case, initiated in ⁤September ​2023, centered on claims that Mr. Ogle was ⁣defamed in speeches delivered by the two⁣ union leaders.

Sources close ⁤to Mr. Ogle⁤ indicated the decision to withdraw the defamation ‍case was primarily due‌ to financial considerations. He will now concentrate on appealing a recent Labor Court⁣ judgment.

Focus ⁣Shifts ⁢to​ Discrimination Appeal

The upcoming High ⁣Court appeal pertains to a ⁤discrimination case Mr.Ogle previously brought against Unite. He alleged that his responsibilities were reduced following his return to work after cancer treatment, constituting discrimination – a claim Unite has consistently denied.

Last month, ⁤the Labour Court rejected Mr. Ogle’s appeal in the discrimination case, a decision he described as “very disappointing” at the ‍time. Unite welcomed the​ Labour Court’s ​ruling, stating it affirmed the union’s adherence to high standards as an employer and institution.

Both ​the Labour Court and the Workplace⁤ Relations Commission (WRC) had previously confirmed Unite’s compliance with expected standards, according ​to a statement released by ‌the union.