Ambassador pressured in jobs row
Wednesday November 04 2009
The South African ambassador to Ireland is under pressure to waive a claim to diplomatic immunity in a long-running employment dispute with a former housekeeper.
Ukrainian Valentyna Khristonsen lodged formal complaints against Ambassador Priscilla Jana last October over pay, hours and alleged unfair dismissal.
But a full hearing of the case was thrown into doubt after Ms Jana cited a special act granting immunity to all diplomatic agents attached to embassies in Ireland.
Ms Khristonsen was joined by about 50 members of the Domestic Workers Action Group (DWAG) to protest outside the South African embassy in Dublin.
Ann Guan of the DWAG said the 55-year-old Ukrainian deserved a fair hearing. "It is shameful and unfair that the ambassador is claiming diplomatic immunity and denying her this basic right," said Ms Guan.
She also called on Foreign Minister Micheal Martin to encourage Ambassador Jana to forgo her immunity. "Foreign diplomats are supposed to be representing their country in the highest regard and we would expect that they respect Irish laws and afford their employees due process," she added.
Ms Khristonsen worked at the ambassador's private residence in Dalkey, south Dublin between 2006 and 2008.
A spokeswoman for the ambassador said Ms Khristonsen had received several warnings for her timekeeping, for failing to report back after holidays and had resigned from her employment.
But the Ukrainian cleaner has brought a case under the Unfair Dismissals Act, the Payment of Wages Act, and the Organisation of Working Time Act.
The Rights Commissioner Service is now considering whether a full hearing can go ahead after receiving submissions on behalf of both parties. A decision is expected to be made in the next fortnight.
