Advertisment

Brazilian Firm Ordered to Compensate Unfairly Dismissed Employees by Malawi Court

author-image
Quadri Adejumo
New Update
Industrial workers
<br>
Image Credit: WSJ

The Industrial Relations Court (IRC) in Blantyre, Malawi, has made a significant ruling, ordering Brazilian firm Vale Logistics to compensate eight employees for unfair dismissal that took place in 2015. The then IRC deputy chairperson, Innocent Nebi, issued the order, stating that the retrenched employees were entitled to compensation. The court documents reveal that the employees had claimed a total of K4.6 billion as compensation for their unjust termination.

Advertisment

Upholding Employee Rights and Seeking Compensation

Following the ruling, Nebi, who now serves as the deputy registrar of the High Court of Malawi and the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal, has referred the matter to the Registrar of the High Court for assessment of the compensation. He further stated that any party dissatisfied with the judgement has the option to appeal to the High Court within 30 days. The former Vale employees had accused the company of abruptly terminating their employment, disregarding their permanent employment terms.

(Read Also: ILO Calls for Greater NGO Involvement in Social Protection Initiatives in Malawi)

Advertisment

Unjust Treatment and Lack of Communication

Nebi, upon reviewing the evidence presented, noted that the applicants were initially employed on a permanent basis with an unspecified contract duration. However, it was evident that the company did not communicate any changes regarding their employment status. The court found that the manner in which the company handled the employees was degrading, dehumanizing, and cruel. Furthermore, the company failed to provide the necessary notification to the Minister of Labour and neglected to provide reasons for the dismissals, as required by law.

The employees who were unfairly dismissed are Chris Mazuwa Chiumia, Alexander Dalitso Chalemba, Yolanda Tashinga Chiumbu, Daniel Chilongo, Ernest Mwanga Juma, Stanley Sitimawina, Angela M’manga, and Francis Osei Mserembo. Representing the retrenched employees, lawyer Ralph Sauti argued their case, while Mabvuto Hara represented Vale Logistics.

(Read Also: Illovo Sugar Malawi Donates Hi-Tech ICT Servers to MUST, Enhancing Education and Technological Advancement)

Vale Logistics was involved in the trans-Malawi railway project, which aimed to connect the company's operations in Western and Eastern Mozambique through Malawi. The court's decision highlights the significance of upholding employee rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace, as well as the importance of legal proceedings in seeking justice for unfair dismissals.

Advertisment
Advertisment