Transport Authority accused of attempting to terminate employees unfairly

A group of employees from Transport Authority has accused the Transport Authority of seeking to terminate several employees of the authority.

The employees sent a signed petition along with a letter addressed to the President's Office requesting a meeting with President Ibrahim Mohamd Solih to discuss the matter.

The letter sent to the President's Office said a list of employees who will be terminated had been compiled by the ministry. While concerned employees have attempted to speak with ministry officials regarding the matter, their concerns have not been addressed by the ministry thus far, said the letter.

In their letter, the employees noted that they did not receive any additional allowances despite having to work overtime, and having to report to work while on leave. It further said some employees had been informed of issues with their attendance, but were not given a chance to rectify the issues before being terminated.

It also claimed that the Transport Minister Aishath Nahula had met with political appointees at the ministry before her departure to Singapore, and informed them that the President had instructed to take action against employees at the authority even if it obstructed the ministry's work.

Signed by 48 employees, the letter urged the president to listen to their concerns, and to prevent them from being terminated in such a manner.

The President's Office is yet to respond to the letter.

Meanwhile, Transport Ministry has denied the claims, stating that the authority has not threatened any of its employees with termination.

However, those employees with low attendance will be dealt with according to civil service regulations, said the ministry.