John Halligan has been criticised for asking a woman if she was married during a job interview, a gaffe which has cost the government €7,500 in compensation.
Several of our female listeners got in touch to share their own experiences of being similar questions they have been asked in the workplace.
Some of their comments are below:
- 'Work in a large company of mainly female workforce in a lower managerial role. Was told by the general manager in my first meeting with him that the women were great workers "if only they had their wombs removed before they started." Was my first managerial role, wish I had had the experience to do something about him.'
- 'Just back to work from maternity leave in a public sector organisation and was asked by a female manager if I was planning another baby. Said as a joke but don't think it was.'
- 'Many many one liners I could give you that have been commented to me during the past 10 years in my job, said as joke but the point was made! The one that sticks out most with me was "maybe I'll stick a pillow up my jumper and pretend I'm pregnant - I might get to leave on time like you!" and that was from another woman!'
- 'I was asked if I was married or pregnant when I started my new job. It happens to us all. Did nothing about it as apparently it was tongue in cheek!'
- 'I applied for term time leave to mind my three kids next year during the summer. I was told there's a lack of people in my office and I couldn't be facilitated. However in the past 3 months my boss has allowed 7 people to transfer out of our office to other areas and most of them were male.'
Daniel McConnell of the Irish Examiner and Labour Party justice spokesperson Sean Sherlock joined us to discuss the John Halligan story.
Listen below:
