A Co Louth building firm has been ordered to pay €20,000 to a scaffolder who claimed he was sacked for his trade union activity.

Martin Mulholland of Finnabair Crescent, Dundalk, was sacked by Currabeg Developments of Ardee in May 2006.

He claimed that he was sacked just four days after handing the site manager a union membership form, and that a sub-contractor was hired to complete his work.

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However, the site manager had told Mr Mulholland that he was sacked because there was no more work for him.

Employment Appeals Tribunal Chairman Penelope McGrath said although Currabeg Developments claimed it tolerated membership, it had not produced any evidence, in the form of documentation or other communication to support this claim.

She said: "In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the tribunal finds that the company does not have a union tolerant workplace."

Ms McGrath awarded Mr Mulholland €20,000 for unfair dismissal and a further €815, in lieu of one week's notice.

(VB/JM)