Eco Divers, a safari vessel operator in Maldives, has urged its employees to take no pay leave.
The safari company operates a total of 6 safari vessels in Maldives, and have asked all of its employees to sign on an Employment Addendum Agreement. The agreement cites, the company employees to voluntarily sign for a no pay leave.
It was reported the local safari operator was attempting to cost-cut on expenses, since no income is generated to the company in light of the viral pandemic intervening on tourist arrivals to Maldives.
A senior employees of the company had attested to local media, confirming the isolation period will be completed on 03 April 2020 since tourists had checked-out from the vessels.
Employed at one of the six safaris, the senior employee further commented all employees were promised of pay for the duration of isolation.
Meanwhile, the company has issued the Employment Addendum Agreement to all of its employees, citing the complying staff will guarantee for re-employment once the company becomes functional.
The management further cited in their agreement, the employees refusing to sign on the contract will not receive re-employment.
It was reported all local employees under the company have not borne their signature on the agreement.
Moreover, the local staff employed under Eco Divers have noted they do not seek to damage the company and would leave the safaris once three-month salary and Ramadan allowance are guaranteed with accordance to Maldives Employment Act.
The National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) have urged workers in the safari industry to lodge their complaints at Labor Relations Authority (LRA).
Earlier on Tuesday, 31 March several locals employed in safaris; who were currently exercising isolation period on board these vessels had taken small dinghys into Hulhumale' bay protesting.
They had voiced their concerns and called from local authorities to preserve the rights of employees marooned into the vessels allegedly without any care from both government institutions and their employers.
