Belfast woman Shona Boyle, an employee of Caterpillar NI, has been awarded more than £305,000 in compensation in what is believed to be the highest individual equal pay claim in Northern Ireland’s history.
The landmark ruling is being seen as underlining the importance of gender pay equality and sets a precedent for future claims.
Ms Boyle initiated her claim against the US multinational in July 2018, after discovering significant pay discrepancies between herself and three male colleagues who were performing the same job.
Despite raising the issue directly with her employer, and receiving unsatisfactory justifications for the pay difference, she firmly believed that her lower pay was due to gender discrimination.
Ms Boyle approached Belfast law firm McCartan Turkington Breen for legal assistance, and the firm meticulously prepared her claim for a hearing which took place over several days between November 2022 and March 2023, following delays due to Covid.
The case included compelling witness evidence and a detailed forensic financial loss report prepared by Sumer Accountants NI Ltd.
Represented by Ms Rachel Best KC, the case for Ms Boyle was presented with strong written and oral arguments.
An employment tribunal overwhelmingly determined that Ms Boyle was indeed performing the same job as her male colleagues who were paid more and that the pay disparity was due to her being a woman.
The employment judge concluded that the claimant was engaged in like work to her three male comparators, and any differences were not of practical importance un relation to the terms and conditions of employment.
It said Caterpillar did not prove that the variation between Ms Boyle’s contract and those of her comparators “was genuinely due to a material factor which is not tainted by sex”.
Consequently, she was awarded back pay for the period she was underpaid and ensured equal pay and benefits moving forward.
With interest added on from the outset of the tribunal, the total settlement came in at £305,719.
Shona Boyle said: “Seeking legal assistance was a last resort, after receiving unsatisfactory justifications for the pay difference from Caterpillar NI. I’m looking forward to continuing to do the job that I love.
“My thanks to John McShane, solicitor at MTB, for his clear, concise and professional advice and to Clarissa Ingham, also of MTB.”
John McShane, solicitor with McCartan Turkington Breen, said: “We are immensely proud of Shona for standing up for what is right and for having the courage to pursue this claim.
“This ruling not only vindicates her position but also sends a powerful message that gender pay discrimination will not be tolerated. We hope this case inspires others to come forward and seek the equality they deserve.”
In a statement to the Irish News, Caterpillar said it respects the decision made by the employment tribunal, adding: “We continually strive to live our values and hold ourselves to a high standard of responsibility, integrity and compliance with all laws.”
