TEAM: 11,000 resort workers forced into no-pay leave

Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM) has announced that some 11,000 resort workers have been forced to accept no-pay leave by their employers amid the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TEAM, a non-profit which advocates for the rights of resort workers, has shared a list of 58 resorts which have imposed pay cuts or forced workers to accept no-pay leave.

The list was prepared based on reports the group received from its members.

It has also identified that some 11,000 resort workers have been forced to accept no-pay leave.

“Some 11,000 resort workers being forced into no-pay is of grave concern. Loss of pay of any worker is unacceptable,” it said.

TEAM said that the state of public health emergency which had been declared in Maldives over the COVID-19 pandemic was not grounds for employers to violate the legal rights of their employees.

The group called on resort workers not to leave their resorts until their employers’ guarantee they will continue to receive their basic salary, despite the pay cuts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Maldivian tourism industry hard. Many resorts have now suspended their operations. Some have laid off their workers, imposed pay cuts, or forced workers to accept no-pay leave.

The Maldivian government has announced an economic stimulus package of MVR 2.5 billion to assist businesses recover from the economic downfall of the pandemic. A component of the package is a MVR 350 loan facility for resorts and guesthouses via Bank of Maldives (BML).

The government has warned that priority in granting the aid will be given to employers who refrain from dismissing employees during the current crisis, and abide by the rights granted to employees under the Employment Act.