A marketing executive at Coca Cola faced discrimination after returning from maternity leave, resulting in a demotion and a compensation of €68,000. Lisa Deveney, who held the position of premium spirits marketing manager since 2018, expected to resume her role after maternity leave in January 2024. However, she was informed that her replacement would stay in her former position, leading to stress and a demotion to a junior role.

Deveney reported her experience to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which found Coca Cola HBC Ireland Ltd in violation of the Employment Equality Act 1998. Despite the company denying the complaint, the tribunal ruled in Deveney's favor.

Deveney expressed her disappointment at the lack of communication and clarity regarding her return to work. She felt pressured into accepting the new role, which she considered a demotion. Her concerns were dismissed, leading to her resignation in March 2024.

The WRC adjudicator, Patricia Owens, highlighted the discrepancies in accounts between Deveney and her manager, Mr A. Owens concluded that the new role constituted a demotion for Deveney and that the employer had already decided her fate without providing options.

As a result of the discrimination, Deveney was awarded €68,000 in compensation, equivalent to nearly a year's salary.