The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has determined that TikTok Technology acted lawfully when it denied a full-time remote working request from an employee who had suffered serious injuries in a car accident.
Zaurbek Musaev, an operations specialist earning €3,556 monthly, claimed the company failed to properly handle his March 2024 request to work from home. His application stemmed primarily from a severe road traffic collision in late 2020, which Mr. Musaev was “extremely fortunate to survive.”
The employee, who commutes to Dublin from County Monaghan, testified that traveling triggers traumatic memories of the crash and causes significant stress. He argued that remote work would not diminish his performance but would actually improve it and benefit the company.
TikTok’s legal representative countered that the Dublin office was clearly designated as Mr. Musaev’s workplace in his employment contract. While the company allows some flexibility regarding remote work, this is subject to the understanding that the Dublin office remains the primary place of employment.
According to The Breaking News, the company maintained it had fully complied with both the letter and spirit of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, acknowledging the complexity of Mr. Musaev’s circumstances while asserting they had thoroughly examined his request through extensive internal procedures.
WRC adjudication officer Michael McEntee ruled in favor of TikTok, finding that the “considerable engagement between the parties” satisfied the requirements of the legislation. He noted that “once proper consideration is given to a request, the statutory obligations of a respondent are met,” citing extensive case law supporting this position.
The ruling also mentioned that efforts were underway to resolve “the many underlying complexities of the case amicably,” suggesting ongoing discussions between Mr. Musaev and TikTok regarding his work situation.