Portugal’s Supreme Court has ruled that former TAP Air Portugal CEO Christine Ourmieres-Widener’s lawsuit against the airline will proceed before Lisbon’s Central Civil Court. Ourmieres-Widener is seeking compensation for what she considers an unfair dismissal in March 2023, over a severance payment made to board member Alexandra Reis. The decision means that the case will be assessed on its practical impact on Ourmieres-Widener, instead of the legality of TAP’s procedures.
How Has the Ruling Been Received?
Ourmieres-Widener welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, saying that it,
“definitively confirms that Lisbon’s Central Court is the competent court to handle this case.”
The court’s agreement with the former CEO signals that Ourmieres-Widener’s dispute with TAP stems from a corporate relationship rather than an administrative one, something she has maintained throughout the case.
“The process can now finally move forward to an examination of its merits,” she said, adding that she wanted an “independent and impartial court” to hear the case.
TAP’s current CEO Luis Rodrigues maintains that his airline “did nothing wrong” regarding his predecessor’s sacking. The airline maintains that Ourmieres-Widener is only owed €432,000 in compensation, and will continue to contest the case.
Why Was Ourmieres-Widener Dismissed?
Ourmieres-Widener was dismissed from her post as CEO of Portugal’s state-funded airline, as part of a wide number of high-profile sackings at TAP in March 2023.
This followed an investigation by Inspectorate-General of Finance (IGF) over a severance payment made to former TAP board member Alexandra Reis.
This payment was approved at the time by Ourmieres-Widener, but was found by the IGF to be an illegal use of the airline’s state-funded budget.
TAP’s board judged that there was “just cause” to fire both Ourmieres-Widener and Chairman of the Board Manuel Beja, meaning neither were initially entitled to compensation.
Portugal’s Deputy of Infrastructures Minister Frederico Pinheiro was sacked in April 2023 after details of a “secret meeting” between himself and Ourmieres-Widener in January 2023 were made public.
These revealed that Pinheiro had attempted to share classified information regarding the government’s upcoming investigation into Reis’ severance payments.
What Happens Now?
Despite being pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision, Ourmieres-Widener has said she remains open to an out-of-court settlement.
“As I have said previously, I remain available for a fair and balanced solution that would bring this process to an end”
she told reporters after the court’s conclusion.
This would likely include a formal apology from TAP, as a large portion of the former CEO’s compensation claim is built around reputational damages from the dismissal, which she believes have hindered her future earning opportunities.
Ourmieres-Widener also believes that she is entitled to various bonus payments that she may have received had she remained CEO. She has cited TAP’s profits in 2022 as evidence that she would have continued the airline’s financial success, if not for the scandal.
No date has yet been set for the Civil Court hearing.
Do you believe Ourmieres-Widener is entitled to compensation? Can TAP remain successful despite the scandal? Let us know in the comments.
