Emergency motion over sudden mass layoffs rejected
The Parliament has rejected an emergency motion alleging that the government's decision to reduce state-owned enterprise staff by 33 percent is unplanned and violates the Employment Act. The motion argued that instead of terminating low-level employees under the guise of cost-cutting, the government should prioritize ending other forms of state expenditure waste; however, the parliamentary majority voted against accepting the matter for debate.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency. | People's Majlis | Majlis
The People’s Majlis has rejected an emergency motion submitted over concerns regarding the sudden decision to dismiss a large number of employees from their positions.
In Monday’s parliamentary sitting, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the MDP Member for South Hulhumale', submitted a motion citing Article 20 of the Constitution, which mandates that every individual is equal before and under the law. The motion further emphasized that every citizen has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
The emergency motion highlights that Article 37 (a) of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to engage in any employment or occupation of their choice.
Furthermore, the case highlighted that Section 21 of the Employment Act stipulates that an employee shall not be dismissed unless there is reasonable cause to believe they have failed to fulfill their responsibilities—either regarding work ethics or duties essential to the proper functioning of the workplace—even after measures have been taken to improve their performance or conduct.
The issue highlights that the government's announcement to reduce the workforce of state-owned enterprises by 33 percent appears to be a sudden decision to terminate a large number of employees.
Furthermore, while presenting the motion, the member stated that the practice of hiring excessive staff for state-owned enterprises and fostering a system where a large portion of the population relies on government salaries and benefits is a policy that must be reformed.
During Monday's parliamentary sitting, the emergency motion was rejected by a majority of the 39 members present and voting. Only 12 members voted in favor of accepting the motion.
The emergency motion highlighted several concerns regarding the government's approach to this matter. Specifically, it noted that the move is being pursued abruptly, without a clear plan or a robust policy framework.
Furthermore, it was stated that the employees are being dismissed without the valid justification required under the Employment Act.
The emergency motion stated that if the objective is to reduce expenditures, such measures should not begin with ordinary employees. It further noted that while it is evident that costs can be lowered by halting the unrestrained waste of state funds, the government continues these practices unabated, revealing a plan to implement measures that place an undue burden on the citizens.
