Gov’t welcomes May Day by unfairly dismissing two Addu WAMCO staff

The government has dismissed two employees from the Hithadhoo branch of Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) as a way of welcoming May Day, which is internationally observed as Workers' Day.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, Moosa Mohamed, who was dismissed from the position of Manager at WAMCO, said that he was suddenly informed that an ethical issue was being investigated. He requested an opportunity to respond to the board with a lawyer, and although they said they would provide the opportunity, he was dismissed from his job on Wednesday without further notice.

Moosa said that during the past week, he attended a meeting held by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leadership members who visited the southernmost city. He recited the Quran to kick off the MDP event. He stated that while he was dismissed from his position citing this as an ethical issue, Senior Administrative Officer Mohamed Afsal, who also attended the same MDP event, was also dismissed from his position.

The reason given for dismissing both employees was under Article 23 (a) of the Employment Act.

As May Day is celebrated on May 1 to advocate for workers' rights, the government continues to deprive Maldivian workers of their rights, putting several families in difficult situations.

When President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu came to power, he said that he would not consider political ideology and would not unfairly dismiss anyone from their job.