President vows to uphold labor rights amid pandemic

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has vowed to protect the rights of workers who are affected by the COVID-19 along with the efforts to contain and control the virus.

The President tweeted on the occasion of Labor Day that the economies of all countries around the world were suffering as a result of the virus that has brought challenges to the rights of workers. The President stated that he stood in solidarity with every worker to ensure that their rights are protected during the pandemic.

Many workers in the country have faced changes in their employment status or wages as a result of the virus. The government has previously announced that anyone who was affected in such a manner to register at the online employment portal of the job center established by the government.

COVID19 has brought great upheaval to the world economy and challenged workers' rights everywhere. On #MayDay2020, I stand in solidarity with every worker in the Maldives and express my determination to battle this pandemic while ensuring and protecting their rights.

— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) May 1, 2020

Registered cases include complaints of wage cuts, no pay leaves, and even dismissals. Around 1300 complaints have been registered at the center so far.

The government has previously called upon the businesses of the country against such measures and even announced the introduction of an unemployment allowance at the end of last month. Relief payments by the government made to companies that suffered the impact from the virus also prioritize companies that have not undertaken such measures.