The Private Sector Commission (PSC) today said it was concerned at the “many” dismissals in the public sector and the climate of fear which now exists as a result.
A statement from the PSC follows:
The Private Sector Commission has noted with deep concern the many terminations and dismissals in the public sector which have been occurring recently. The Commission is particularly concerned about the perceived political influence over these dismissals with the authorities not adhering to established procedures and not allowing for natural justice.
The laws which govern terminations of service are clear, that just and sufficient cause for dismissals must be established and that such cause must relate to the conduct and capacity of the employee. The Termination of Employment Act further places the burden of proof for establishing cause on the employer and, consequently, if just and sufficient cause cannot be established, there can be no valid or lawful grounds for dismissal.
The great majority of those dismissed /terminated in public humiliation gives credence to wide spread perception of political discrimination and victimization despite human rights guaranteed in our Constitution and labour laws and in international treaties (Conventions).
The Private Sector Commission is alarmed at the climate of fear which has arisen in the national community because of what is being seen as selective dismissals and would like to urge that the labour laws on termination and discrimination and best practices in human resource management be followed to allay fears of victimization and political discrimination.
The Private Sector Commission calls the State and its agents to build confidence and cultivate an environment conducive to fostering national trust through fairness, equality of treatment, non-discrimination, and social justice for all citizens.
