🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
World Knits employees face uncertainty and unpaid wages under voluntary administration
via Le Mauricien3 min read
The United Federation of Workers FTU has raised concerns about the stressful situation faced by employees of the World Knits group, which was placed under voluntary administration in May. Negotiator Atma Shanto stated that nearly 700 families are without resources, as June salaries have not been paid, and some personnel received only 50% of their May wages. The group includes Kline Textiles, Universal Fabrics Ltd, and World Knits Ltd. Shanto highlighted that late salary payments have been an issue since last year, despite workers' cooperation to maintain production. He emphasized that the government should protect workers, especially given the rising cost of living in Mauritius. Some employees, lacking resources, have moved in with relatives. The situation is particularly difficult for administrative and middle management staff, who only received half their May salaries, while operatives received full pay. Employees of Universal Fabrics remain technically unemployed. Shanto also noted concerns about gratuity on retirement and pensions for those nearing retirement age, fearing they could face extreme poverty. He pointed out that the situation violates Article 114 of the Workers Rights Act and questioned the fate of foreign workers. The FTU plans a demonstration in Rose-Hill to protest the situation and demand government action to uphold workers' rights.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadAir Mauritius has suspended seven senior executives, including the Chief Commercial Officer, Laurent Recoura, following the submission of the Kroll report to Parliament. The suspensions are described as precautionary measures within an internal investigation, aiming to prevent interference with evidence. The affected executives held strategic positions in the Finance, Legal, Planning, and Procurement departments and were members of the Committee of Purchase, which made decisions on aircraft acquisitions and leases. These actions stem from board meetings on June 25 and 29, which reviewed the Kroll Middle East Consultancy Ltd. report. The board decided to refer the matter to the Financial Crimes Commission FCC and the police, initiate civil proceedings, and launch disciplinary actions against potentially involved individuals. The Kroll report, commissioned by the board, scrutinized Air Mauritius's fleet management from 2014 to 2024, focusing on aircraft acquisition, sale, and leasing operations, particularly during the voluntary administration period between 2020 and 2021. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam stated in the National Assembly that the report's findings are "particularly serious," citing substantial financial losses, falsified documents presented to the former board, and potentially criminal acts. The report indicates a net loss of approximately Rs 1.2 billion from the sale of four aircraft between 2018 and 2021. It also highlights alleged concerted actions involving th
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk officially launched Ozempic, a weekly injectable treatment for people with type 2 diabetes, in Mauritius. The launch event took place at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis, attended by healthcare professionals and media representatives. This introduction is significant as type 2 diabetes affects approximately 22.6% of Mauritians aged 20 to 79, posing a major health challenge due to increased risks of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic complications if not properly managed. Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which works by stimulating insulin secretion when blood sugar is high and reducing glucagon production. It also helps decrease appetite, potentially leading to weight loss in overweight or obese patients. Novo Nordisk officials stated that the medication aims to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. The company cited results from the international SUSTAIN clinical study program, involving over 10,000 patients, which showed that a majority achieved recommended glycemic control, significant weight loss, and a reduction in major cardiovascular events for at-risk individuals. Jakob Mollerup, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Middle Africa, noted that this launch reflects the company's commitment to improving the quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes by providing access to a proven therapeutic option. Mauritius joins many other countries where this tre
Businessman and lawyer Shaan Kundomal has been detained in Dubai for seven nights following allegations of embezzlement. He was arrested on June 26 at Dubai Airport while attempting to board a flight to Istanbul with his wife and assistant. The two women were not detained. The case stems from a complaint by a British national residing in the UAE, described as an influential figure who held positions within the Executive Office of Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family. The British national accuses Kundomal of embezzling USD 3 million, approximately Rs 144 million, related to an investment. Kundomal, director of Capital Horizons Ltd, recently rebranded as Aurevya Wealth Ltd, and head of Gulf Management Services, is being held at the Bur Dubai police station. He appeared in court earlier this week but was not granted release and remains in custody as investigations continue. UAE authorities are known for their strict handling of financial offenses, and suspects can be detained during the initial investigation phase, particularly for serious offenses or if there is a flight risk. Information released to the public in such cases is typically limited to maintain the integrity of investigations. Kundomal benefits from the presumption of innocence, as the accusations against him remain allegations at this stage.