The Employment Tribunal has overturned a disciplinary action taken against a hospital employee who advocated for staff rights within a Viber group.
In a press release, the Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) said that the hospital had unlawfully penalized one of its members, a healthcare professional, under the guise of "corrective action" for advocating for the rights of employees.
The Employment Tribunal ruled to nullify the disciplinary measure, citing that it was implemented in violation of the Employment Act. The Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) provided pro-bono legal representation for the union member throughout the case.
The disciplinary action was initiated after the employee and colleagues formed a Viber group to voice concerns and express grievances regarding their working environment. The group served as a platform for workers to unionize and collectively seek improvements to workplace conditions and the protection of their rights.
The Health Professionals Union noted that such actions by hospitals to suppress unionization and collective advocacy undermine the empowerment of workers. It further highlighted that these tactics restrict the ability of staff to reform the healthcare sector and secure their fundamental rights.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to standing by its members, asserting that it will continue to protect them against any unlawful disciplinary measures taken in response to industrial actions or advocacy efforts.
