Long Commute Ends 15-Year Job
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has ruled in favour of a former DHL warehouse worker who turned down a job transfer that would have added hours to his daily commute.
Oscar Solano Fernandez, who worked at DHL’s Clondalkin warehouse for over 15 years, was awarded more than €18,000 in redundancy compensation.
What Happened?
In 2023, DHL closed its warehouse in Clondalkin. Mr Solano was offered a new role at another warehouse in Donabate, Co. Dublin.
But the new location was not easy to get to. He explained that the journey would require two buses and could take between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours each way. Previously, his commute was only 15–20 minutes.
He said the change would have a serious impact on his family life and daily routine. For that reason, he declined the offer. DHL then refused to pay him redundancy.
WRC Ruling: Offer Was Not Reasonable
WRC Adjudication Officer Brian Dalton ruled in Mr Solano’s favour. He said the transfer offer was “not reasonable”, and the complaint under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967 was “well founded”.
As a result, Mr Solano was entitled to redundancy based on:
- A weekly wage of €580
- Over 15 years of service
The total payment awarded was more than €18,000.
Two other claims brought by Mr Solano were dismissed.
Why This Decision Matters
This case is a powerful reminder for employees and employers alike.
✅ A job offer must be reasonable and realistic.
✅ Long, expensive, or disruptive commutes can make a new role unsuitable.
✅ If no fair alternative is offered, you may still qualify for redundancy.
Employers cannot avoid redundancy obligations by offering roles that are impractical or unfair — even if they are within the same company.
Have You Been Denied Redundancy?
You could still qualify for compensation if:
- Your job was changed in a way that’s not manageable
- Your employer offered a new role with no real consultation
- The new offer disrupted your personal or family life
📩 Reach out to Employment Matters for a private case review.
We stand beside employees who’ve been treated unfairly at work — whether it’s redundancy, dismissal, or another workplace issue.
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