Shangri-La Villingili stalling over strike, claims TEAM

MALE, April 18, 2010 (Haveeru News Service) – Management of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa has not made a decision about several local staff who are on strike since Friday, Tourism Employments Association of Maldives (TEAM) has said on Sunday.

While Shangri-La’s Villingili fired four employees on Wednesday for alleged misuse of resort facilities, several other employees went on strike claiming the sackings violated the Employment Act.

TEAM’s Vice President Mauroof Zakir joined the strike at the harbour area of Seenu Feydhoo.

“Several employees have been fired [by the management] for striking against the sacking of four employees against the law. Police came and took the sacked employees from the island. This is unconstitutional,” Mauroof said.

He stressed employees could not be fired while on strike for rights and added the management should inform the staff of their dismissal by a letter.

“But the management has not informed the strikers of the measures taken against them through a letter. We are working with the Labour Relations Authority to get a written document from the management,” he said.

Laxly Gaashia, Communication Manager of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa said the management is trying to resolve the disputes between the employees and the management, with assistance of South Province Office and TEAM, but did not disclose further details.

The resort’s General Manager told TEAM the management has not reached a decision, Mauroof noted.

“GM was not present in the resort when the incident happened. But he returned to the resort and we discussed with him. He said the management has not taken a decision yet,” he said.

“But GM said the management would further discuss about the matter, today.”

Mauroof emphasised the employees would continue the strike until they get their rights, but added a case was not filed at the Employment Tribunal.

“We have not submitted the case [to Employment Tribunal], as we have to wait for a long time for the Tribunal’s ruling, due to the lengthy procedure,” he continued.