By Jones Gadama
The Industrial Relations Court in Blantyre has awarded three former Press Corporation (PCL) executives a total of K14 billion in compensation for unfair dismissal.
The former executives, George Partridge, Bernard Ndau, and Elizabeth Mafeni, were fired from their positions in 2021 and took the matter to court, demanding K33 billion in damages.
According to the court’s ruling, George Partridge, the former Chief Executive Officer, will receive K8 billion, while Elizabeth Mafeni, the former Group Financial Controller, will receive K4 billion, and Bernard Ndau, the former Company Secretary, will receive K3 billion.
The court’s decision was based on the individuals’ salaries, working period, and the circumstances surrounding their dismissal.
The lawyer representing the three former executives, John Suzi Banda of JB Suzi and Company, said the court’s decision was a significant victory for his clients. “The court took into account the people’s salaries, working period, and the unfair dismissal to arrive at the figure,” Banda said.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to proper procedures when terminating employment contracts.
The court’s ruling suggests that PCL’s decision to fire the three executives was deemed unfair, and the company will now have to pay a substantial amount in compensation.
This case also raises questions about the corporate governance practices of PCL and the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of the three executives.
It will be interesting to see how the company responds to the court’s ruling and whether it will appeal the decision.
The K14 billion awarded to the former executives is a significant amount, and it underscores the potential financial risks companies face when dealing with employment disputes. It also highlights the need for companies to ensure that they follow due process when terminating employment contracts to avoid costly lawsuits.
The former executives’ victory in the Industrial Relations Court is a testament to the importance of standing up for one’s rights in the workplace.
The court’s decision sends a strong message to employers that unfair dismissal will not be tolerated and that employees have recourse to the law if they feel their rights have been violated.
As the case comes to a close, it will be interesting to see how PCL responds to the court’s ruling and what implications this will have for the company’s future operations.
The decision also serves as a reminder to other companies to review their employment practices and ensure that they are complying with the law to avoid similar costly disputes.
The award of K14 billion to the three former executives is a significant development in the world of industrial relations in Malawi.
It highlights the importance of fairness and due process in employment disputes and underscores the need for companies to prioritize good corporate governance practices.
The Industrial Relations Court’s decision to award K14 billion to the three former PCL executives is a significant victory for the individuals involved.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to proper procedures when terminating employment contracts and underscores the potential financial risks companies face when dealing with employment disputes.
As the case comes to a close, it will be interesting to see how PCL responds to the court’s ruling and what implications this will have for the company’s future operations.
