Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concern over growing political influence in the work place and the attempts by the Government to coercing state employees to sign up to ruling Party.

A statement released by the Party had stated that this was deeply concerning.

MDP noted that there have been reported cases of dismissals and differentiation based on political views, which had contributed to a negative environment at the workplace.

The statement came amid increasing reports of use of employees of state owned corporations for membership drives to ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives.

MDP added that it was the responsibility of the state to grant the protection and rights to the workers, as accorded in the laws of International Labor Organization. Maldives became a signatory of the body on May 15, 2009. MDP said the actions of the current government was in clear violation of the convention.

MDP statement added that the Government had failed to create safe working conditions, a basic pay or a pay structure. This, the statement said was a failure of the Government to protect workers.

Therefore, MDP had called on the Government to re-evaluate the current policies for the betterment of the nation.