The opposition MDP said today that 37 cases involving employees unfairly dismissed from government-owned companies have now been submitted to the Employment Tribunal.

Speaking at a press conference today, Hassan Latheef, Director General of the party’s “Bodu Badhalu” (Big Change) office, said the party is working to submit cases involving 65 people who were unfairly dismissed, and that 37 of those cases are currently before the courts.

Hassan said MDP lawyers, along with some private lawyers, are providing assistance with court hearings and all necessary legal work, and that a 24-hour helpline (7341637) has been set up to respond to people who are being dismissed.

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) instructed government-owned companies and the Finance Ministry last April to reduce their workforce by 33%, giving them a three-month deadline to complete it.

Hassan said President Mohamed Muizzu bears the greatest responsibility for this, and that PCB President Mohamed Nizar must also be held accountable. He noted that the Human Rights Commission (HRCM) should launch an investigation into the hardship affecting so many citizens, and that efforts must be made — even through Parliament — to stop it.

Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, who also attended the meeting, said that if 33% of employees are cut, more than 14,000 workers are estimated to lose their jobs, and that infringing on the rights of such a large number of citizens should only be done with advance planning and alternative arrangements for those losing their jobs.

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MDP takes 37 wrongful dismissal cases to tribunal