The firm is representing one of the largest international hotel chains on an employment claim for allegedly terminating 900 employees in the covid-19 scenario. The Managing Partner today appeared before a Magistrate court in pursuance of a criminal complaint on the alleged termination of the employees. There are prohibitory orders in place in almost all the provinces of Pakistan and the Federal capital with regard to laying off employees during the lock down period.
Employment law matters in Pakistan can become complicated at times since Labor courts also have powers of magisterial courts and can start dealing with complaints by way of a criminal approach. Last year, this approach proved to be problematic for us as well as a client which is major international manufacturer of cellphones when the judge of the Labour court using powers endowed to him under the criminal law wished to summon the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Claimant knowing full well that the gentleman in question was a national of the United States domiciled in the United States.
We always do request clients to take us into confidence before initiating any terminations and laying offs.
Disclaimer: Please note we have not provided the name of any clients in this post since we do not publicize confidential information or details of cases before courts.
