Tribunal orders to reinstate four Madoogali resort employees

Maldives Employment Tribunal has on Thursday ordered Madoogali Maldives, an island resort in North Ari Atoll, to reinstate four employees who were dismissed on 27 October last year.

The resort’s Assistant Manager Front Office Abdulla Solih, Room Attendant Abdulla Rishawan, Guest Relations Office Arshad Rasheed Hussain and Food and Beverages Manager Iyaz Naseer, were dismissed after refusing to leave the island, after the resort’s administration put them on temporary leave until an investigation regarding the four men were concluded. They were accused of conducting activities which were hindering the resort’s revenue.

At the Tribunal hearings, the hotel had argued that the employee’s refusal to leave the island was a clear breach of expected behaviour and conduct. The Tribunal’s ruling, however, stated that the resort had failed to follow due procedure in dismissing the employees, thereby violating the Employment Act.

In addition to reinstating their positions at the resort, the hotel is also required reimburse salaries of the four employees, from the day of their dismissal, within a 15 day period.