Lionbridge Executive Awarded €143,000 in Unfair Dismissal Case
An Irish executive, Caroline O’Connell, has been awarded €142,984 in compensation after being unfairly dismissed from her position as EMEA managing director at Lionbridge, a translation and localization multinational. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled in her favor, deeming the dismissal unfair and rejecting the company’s arguments regarding mitigation of losses.
Background of the Case
O’Connell, who worked at Lionbridge for 24 years, initiated a grievance in July 2024 after discovering through a company newsletter that her role had been “radically changed” and she had been “demoted.” She believed her dismissal in November 2024 stemmed from raising this grievance. Lionbridge conceded the dismissal was unfair, leaving the amount of compensation to be determined by the WRC. Irish Times
Dispute Over Compensation
The dispute involved over half a million euro, encompassing lost wages, bonus payments, and stock option entitlements. O’Connell had turned down a €60,000-a-year fixed-term position at the Irish Management Institute while seeking a new role commensurate with her seniority. The WRC adjudicator, Breiffni O’Neill, found her efforts to secure new employment were reasonable, considering her “very senior level” and the limited opportunities available.
Concurrent Legal Action
The case was complicated by separate litigation. Lionbridge filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Against O’Connell, alleging she breached a non-competition agreement by taking a position with Vistatec, a company Lionbridge considered a competitor. The Herald The U.S. Lawsuit was filed in the New York Southern District Court on November 20, 2025. UniCourt A motion for an extension of time to answer the complaint was granted, with a new deadline of March 30, 2026. PACER Monitor
WRC Decision and Outcome
The WRC adjudicator rejected Lionbridge’s argument that a previously paid statutory redundancy lump sum of €30,000 should be deducted from the award. O’Connell declined an offer of reinstatement, stating she wished to “get my life back and move on.” The WRC ultimately awarded her full losses of €142,984.
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