Nada Salon Challenges Tribunal Ruling Over Unpaid Maternity Leave
Nada Salon has taken its case to the High Court, appealing a ruling from the Employment Tribunal that ordered the company to pay more than MVR 100,000 to a former employee.
The dispute began after the employee claimed she did not receive her salary during a three-month maternity leave. She had applied for the leave immediately following her annual leave. According to the tribunal, the salon failed to pay her during this period, prompting her resignation.
Maternity Leave Rights Under Maldivian Law
Under the Employment Act, every female employee in the Maldives is entitled to three months of maternity leave. The tribunal found that Nada Salon had violated this law. The salon did not attend any of the tribunal hearings during the case.
In March, the Employment Tribunal ruled that the employee had been forced to resign without valid cause. It ordered the company to reinstate her and pay her three months’ leave salary of MVR 48,600. In addition, the tribunal instructed Nada Salon to pay MVR 97,200 in compensation for unfair dismissal.
Additional Financial Penalties
The tribunal also imposed further financial penalties. Nada Salon was ordered to pay MVR 35,000 for legal fees, MVR 3,000 as a Ramadan allowance, and MVR 3,000 in punitive damages.
Appeal to the High Court
In June, Nada Salon filed an appeal against the tribunal’s decision. As of now, the High Court’s website does not show whether a ruling has been issued on the appeal.
The case has drawn attention to employee rights in the Maldives, particularly regarding maternity leave and employer obligations. Many are closely watching the High Court proceedings to see whether the original ruling will be upheld or altered.