PILC has strongly condemned the acts that violate workers’ basic rights and failure to pay wages of workers and are working hard to help provide justice for workers whose rights have been violated
On July 3 rd 2020, it was brought to the attention of PILC that the migrant workers at Baa. Bodufinolhu had not been paid their wages for several months. A team of lawyers from PILC visited the workers on-site and conducted one-on-one meetings with them. Furthermore, the team also visited the 19 migrant workers who were detained in Dhoonidhoo Jail. The workers raised concerns about months of unpaid wages and requested PILC to file a claim on their behalf, in order to obtain all unpaid wages.
Moreover, after receiving information that there are Maldivian workers from Baa. Bodufinolhu who had not been paid their wages as well, PILC made an announcement for any such worker to come forward and to be part of the claim. In response to this, 2 (two) Maldivian workers from Baa. Bodufinolhu came forward and requested the legal assistance of PILC in obtaining their pending wages.
Hence, PILC pledged to give legal assistance in obtaining unpaid wages to 198 (one hundred and ninety-eight) migrant workers and 2 (two) Maldivian workers from Baa. Bodufinolhu and started the work on preparing a civil claim. In order to acquire all necessary information and documents to lodge the claim, PILC met with the Labor Relations Authority and Maldives Immigration. In addition, PILC is yet to receive a response to the letter sent to the Ministry of Economic Development regarding this matter.
Upon consideration of all relevant documents and the facts surrounding this case, in July 2020, PILC filed a claim at the Employment Tribunal on behalf of the 200 (two hundred) workers stationed at Baa. Bodufinolhu, against the contractor of the Baa. Bodufinolhu tourist resort project, namely, R.I.X Private Limited and the 2 (two) directors of the company. In its claim, PILC has requested the Tribunal to order the contractor to pay all pending wages to the workers, all at once, and lodged a claim for damages for neglecting to pay the workers for months. Furthermore, PILC has requested the Tribunal to order the contractor, R.I.X Private Limited, to provide arrangements for the migrant workers who wish to return to their country.
In addition to submitting the claim, PILC had a meeting with R.I.X Private limited, in an attempt to resolve the matter of unpaid wages out of court, which was not successful.
PILC strongly condemns acts that violate workers’ basic rights and failure to pay wages of workers and are working hard to help provide justice for workers whose rights have been violated. PILC is receiving numerous complaints of a similar nature and is trying our best to provide legal assistance to as many workers as possible, with the limited resources available to our NGO. Since unpaid wages are a matter of serious concern, we urge relevant state institutions to look into such matters and take strict action.
