RTE staff seek compensation in ‘bogus self-employment’ row

Mark Tighe
The Sunday Times
One RTE worker said none of the contractors covered by a review had used private firms to bill the station, as some well-paid presenters did, such as Ryan Tubridy
One RTE worker said none of the contractors covered by a review had used private firms to bill the station, as some well-paid presenters did, such as Ryan Tubridy
ANDRES POVEDA
Mark Tighe
The Sunday Times

RTE workers who were wrongly employed on short-term contracts instead of as staff are seeking substantial compensation from the station.

Sources among the workers say the total cost of claims could exceed the €1.2 million it has cost RTE to settle tax obligations arising from what TDs have described as “bogus self-employment”.

Contractors who have now been put on staff following a review by RTE are seeking compensation and retrospective payments for holidays, maternity leave, paternity leave, pensions and sick leave. RTE made offers to directly employ 82 workers as staff following a review in 2019, and this was accepted by 79.

Séamus Dooley, Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists, said RTE personnel who were not entitled to apply for promotions while they