A woman who alleged that a supermarket cashier was rude to her after she was unable to lift a tray of water bottles onto the checkout conveyor has lost her case claiming disability discrimination, reports The Mirror.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has determined that Aldi Stores (Ireland) Limited did not violate the Equal Status Act 2000 in its handling of Christine Reilly’s visit to one of its stores on September 6, 2024.
Ms Reilly alleged the German retail chain discriminated against her due to her disability, explaining that she couldn’t lift the tray from her trolley because she had recently undergone spinal surgery, reports The Mirror.
She said the checkout worker informed her that it was store policy for customers to place their own items on the belt.
Her complaint stated that after a drawn-out interaction, the staff member reluctantly assisted in unloading her trolley.
Ms Reilly also claimed that during a later discussion, the store manager told her she wasn’t obligated to continue shopping at Aldi, reports The Mirror.
Aldi refuted the claims, asserting that their staff provided appropriate support by placing the water tray on the belt for her.
The WRC was informed that Ms Reilly’s solicitor contacted Aldi six days after the incident to seek both compensation and an apology for the alleged discriminatory treatment, reports The Mirror.
In his decision, WRC adjudication officer Brian Dalton stated that CCTV footage and the cashier’s testimony fully supported Aldi’s version, confirming that Ms Reilly received reasonable assistance and the water tray was lifted by the staff member.
“There is no merit in the claim,” said Mr Dalton, reports The Mirror.
He also stated that there was no proof that the complainant had been addressed rudely by either the checkout assistant or the manager.
“What is clear is that within seconds her tray was placed on the belt by the cashier/shop assistant and she was reasonably accommodated,” said Mr Dalton, reports The Mirror.
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