Saturday November 27, 2021
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The Supreme Court in Somalia has reinstated a sacked employee of Aden Adde Airport and compelled the Turkish multinational Favori LLC which runs the aviation facility to fully pay the employee’s 14 months’ salary for the time he was out of work.
The Court sitting in Mogadishu ruled on November 25 that Abshir Hassan Abdulle’s contract at the airport was ‘unfairly and illegally terminated.’
Banaadir Regional Court had previously ruled in Abdulle’s favour but Favori appealed the ruling.
The Supreme Court has however upheld the lower court ruling and directed that the Turkish company pay Abdulle $4,200 equivalent to 14 months salary.
The court further ordered Favori to meet the legal costs accrued during the case.
Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) General Secretary Omar Farouk welcomed the verdict terming it a victory for Somali workers.
“The ruling from the highest court of the land is an important milestone in the struggle for labour rights in Somalia,” said Faruk. “Both the Supreme Court and Benadir Regional Court have sent an unequivocal message that the judiciary will not be mere spectators as the rights of Somali workers are trampled on by employers, more-so powerful multinationals that are conducting successful business in Somalia.”
Faruk said Favori must respect the court ruling and ‘forthwith cease forthwith its continued denial of its workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining which are fundamental human rights.’
Favori LLC was awarded a 25-year concession in 2013 to manage Aden Adde Airport.